Una, December 24: Considering the winter season in Una district, the administration has issued necessary guidelines regarding the safe use of heaters and stoves. Deputy Commissioner and Chairman of the District Disaster Management Authority, Jatin Lal, said that the careless use of devices such as heaters, kerosene heaters, and coal stoves to protect against the cold can lead to fires and other serious accidents. He appealed to the residents of the district to ensure the safe and responsible use of these devices during the winter months.
The Deputy Commissioner said that during the winter season, the risk of fire increases in offices, government and private buildings, and residential complexes due to short circuits, overloading, overheating, poor quality electrical equipment, and faulty wiring. Therefore, by taking necessary precautions in time, fire incidents can be effectively prevented.
He instructed that a responsible employee be designated in each office to ensure daily, after office hours, that all electrical and electronic equipment is switched off. In addition, it should be mandatory to regularly inspect all equipment and their wiring installed in the offices so that any technical fault can be rectified in time.
In case of fire, immediately inform the fire service on the emergency numbers 101 or 1077. Do not assume that someone else has already reported it, as prompt reporting can significantly reduce the loss of life and property.
In addition, instructions have been given to conduct proper inspections of electrical points and connections in all government and private offices and buildings so that there is no electrical risk due to the extra load generated by the increased use of heating devices in winter, and to ensure protection against unpleasant fire incidents. The Deputy Commissioner has also directed all heads of departments to ensure the availability of fire safety systems and equipment in their offices and buildings, and to get regular inspections and fire safety audits conducted by the fire department or any other authorized agency recommended by them.
He explained that during the winter months, it is extremely important to ensure proper ventilation when using heaters, kerosene heaters, and braziers in homes and offices to maintain warmth, so that the gases produced in the rooms can be safely vented and the possibility of any accident is eliminated.
**'Be vigilant about safety'**
The Deputy Commissioner has appealed to all residents of the district to follow these guidelines and also make the people around them aware of them.