MoI gives tips on staying safe during Ramadan

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has issued an advisory on how to ensure safety at home and in public spaces during the holy month of Ramadan.

“Important Tips for a Safe Ramadan 2016”, which has been issued by the Public Relations Department of the MoI, lists a number of dos and don’ts for people and covers key areas such as health, how to avoid fires, traffic safety and what to do in an emergency. Here are the tips.

* To avoid food poisoning, check the validity of canned, frozen or preserved foodstuff and also ensure there are no changes in the smell, colour or texture of food. Make sure that the foodstuff has been kept in a clean and closed place or in the refrigerator. While dining out, people should ensure that the place and food served are clean.

* To ensure protection from kitchen fires, avoid pouring water onto a pan. In case the oil catches fire, it can quickly aggravate the situation. In such cases, one must cover the burning pan with a thick lid or a fire blanket.

* If a trash bin catches fire, it should be immediately covered with a damp cloth to prevent it from spreading by depriving it of oxygen.

Make sure that there is a good quality fire extinguisher available to you at home.

* Matchsticks should be thrown into the dustbin only after ensuring that they are no longer burning. People should also not wear flowing or mixed nylon dresses while working in the kitchen. Don’t leave children in the kitchen or near hot and burning materials or electrical points.

* If you smell gas inside the house, open all doors and windows immediately to “reduce the concentration of leaked gas”. Never use a burning matchstick near a cylinder while trying to locate the point of leakage and avoid switching on exhaust fans and lights. These may serve as ‘ignition points’ in case there is a gas leak.

* Avoid over speeding while driving and trying to reach home in time before Iftar. Instead of rushing, take care to start early so that you have enough time to reach your destination safely. The period before Iftar is considered the most vulnerable when it comes to traffic accidents during the holy month.

* Motorists have been advised to avoid parking their vehicles in such a way that may obstruct traffic movement, especially during prayer timings and Iftar gatherings.

* Pedestrians should ensure that a road is completely free on both sides before crossing, especially during peak hours. They should also cross roads only through designated areas.

* Avoid last minute shopping for Eid and finish it early enough to avoid traffic jams and having to park in ‘no-parking areas’ because of the huge rush.

* Children should not be allowed to play on internal roads in residential areas, especially at night, in order to protect them from traffic accidents. They should play only in designated areas.

* On the 15th night of Ramadan, during Garangao celebrations, people should be extra cautious while driving at night as children will walk around residential areas to collect sweets and gifts from neighbours.

* People should report cases of begging to the anti-begging section at the MoI’s Criminal Investigation Department on 2347444/33618627. Approved charitable organisations are the official agencies in Qatar to help the needy and poor.

* In the event of an emergency, people should not get scared and act wisely instead. They should immediately call 999 for assistance. The emergency number for the deaf is 992.

Courtesy: gulf-times.com