Emergency Situations Ministry warns of carbon monoxide risks amid cold snap

The Ministry of Emergency Situations has issued an appeal to the population of the republic, as well as the heads of organizations, enterprises, and institutions, regarding the dangers posed by cold weather. The press service of the ministry reported this information.

As temperatures drop and the days get colder, the use of heating devices powered by electricity, gas, or other fuels increases. The ministry highlighted that improper usage of heating devices, as well as the use of faulty or substandard equipment, can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, gas-air explosions, and fires.

To avoid such situations, it is essential to prepare gas, electric, and other fuel-powered heating devices in homes and social facilities before the cold season begins. Failure to do so may result in unfortunate incidents related to heating devices.

The Ministry of Emergency Situations has provided the following safety guidelines to reduce the risk of fires, gas-air explosions, and carbon monoxide poisoning during the winter season:

• Electrical Safety: Avoid using electrical wires and cables with damaged outer protective sheaths.
• Use Certified Equipment: Install protective fuses (circuit breakers) with quality certification to prevent fires caused by overloads and short circuits.
• Chimney Maintenance: Before the heating season begins, check the condition of heating stoves and their chimneys, ensuring that pipes are not clogged. Pay special attention to the air draft through the chimney.
• Professional Inspection: Contact specialized organizations for cleaning, adjusting, and installing heating stove chimneys in compliance with regulatory standards.
• Avoid Faulty Devices: Do not use faulty or homemade heating devices. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using heating devices that meet established safety standards.
• Prevent Overheating: Avoid overheating heating stoves.
• Child Safety: Do not entrust young children with control of gas and electric heating devices.
• Gas Appliance Inspection: Have gas appliances inspected and serviced by specialists from gas supply agencies.
• Proper Connection: Follow proper rules for connecting gas equipment.
• Avoid Drying Clothes on Gas Stoves: Do not dry combustible materials on gas stoves.
• Install Safety Devices: Use gas heating devices with automatic safety controls (shut-off and return control devices) and ensure they remain in proper working condition.

“If you smell gas in the room, do not use lamps or any devices that produce sparks. Immediately ventilate the room and report the situation to the gas service by calling '104'. In case of fire, contact the fire and rescue service by dialing '101' or '1050'. By following these rules, you will protect yourself, your loved ones, and your home from various accidents and incidents,” the ministry's appeal stated.

The appeal comes in light of recent tragic incidents caused by heating devices. Earlier, a couple in the Asaka district of the Andijan region died from carbon monoxide poisoning after a leak from a homemade coal stove. On December 15, a couple in the Piskent district of the Tashkent region also died from poisoning caused by an unknown substance.