Fire Safety Tips for apartments in Qatar

By : Fazmina Samat

As summer heats up in Qatar, fire safety in apartments becomes a critical concern. Living in multi-unit buildings like apartments, condos, and dorms can increase the risk of fires, but with a few simple precautions, you can keep your home safe. Here’s an easy-to-follow guide to help you prevent fires and be prepared if one occurs.

Preventing fires in apartments

In just a short time, a small fire can become a serious threat. By taking a few simple steps, you can protect yourself, your loved ones, and your belongings.  

• Use surge protectors to protect your appliances and home.
• Avoid overloading circuits or using too many extension cords.
• Regularly check electrical cords for damages and replace such damaged cords immediately.
• Never run cords under rugs or between rooms.
• Keep portable room heaters away from flammable items like curtains or beddings and turn them off when you leave the room or go to bed.
• Avoid smoking in bed or leaving lit cigarettes unattended.
• Keep lighters and matches out of children’s reach.
• Don’t leave candles or incense burning unsupervised and place them away from flammable materials.
• Store flammable materials such as gasoline, cans or propane tanks outside your apartment.

Keeping the kitchen safe

Cooking is an everyday chore and so it can also be a source of fire if neglected. Here are some kitchen safety tips.

• Never leave food cooking on the stove unattended.
• Keep potholders, kitchen gloves, and towels away from the stove to avoid accidents.
• Avoid wearing loose sleeves and excess frills, while cooking to prevent them from catching fire.
• Remember to switch off the stove and oven after use, set an alarm if needed.
• Have a fire extinguisher nearby and learn how to use it incase of accidental cooking fires.

Laundry room safety

If your apartment has its own laundry room, make sure to keep it safe with these tips.

• Get a professional to service your dryer whenever possible.
• Don’t use a dryer without a lint filter.
• Clean the lint filter before or after each load and remove any lint around the dryer drum.
• Make sure the correct plug and outlet are used and check if the machine is properly connected.
• Turn off the dryer when you leave home or go to bed.

Candle safety

Candles can create a cozy atmosphere but also pose considerable amount of risk. To be safe :

• Always blow out candles before you go to bed or leave your apartment.
• Keep candles atleast one foot away from anything else.
• Use candle holders on flat surface to prevent it from falling over.
• Avoid using candles if someone in your home relies on oxygen tank.
• If using as fragrance, instead of candles, consider using automatic room sprays as an alternative.

Rooftop deck safety

If you live or manage a building with a rooftop deck, consider these ways to reduce the risk of fire.

• Post ‘No Smoking’ sign and place non-combustible bins for cigarettes.
• Water plants regularly.
• Choose non-combustible furniture.
• Make sure the premises has adequate fire extinguishers and consider installing one on the rooftop deck.
• Look around for dry foliage or trash and notify the building management.

If you attend a party in a rooftop deck :

• Obey any non-smoking signs.
• If you do smoke, make sure you extinguish and dispose of it properly.

BBQ safely

BBQ is a fun way to celebrate during the summer holidays, follow these tips safely:

• Grill only in well-ventilated, outdoor areas.
• Follow all the instructions and warnings mentioned in the grill appliance.
• Clean your grill effectively to prevent flare-ups.
• Maintain a safe distance between the grill and combustible items, including furniture, anything over hanging and branches.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
• Do not allow pets or kids nearby to the BBQ to keep them safe and prevent anyone from falling over the appliance and causing a fire.
• Follow rules of your apartment or building regulations.

REMEMBER : Never BBQ on any apartment balcony at any time.

Balcony safety tips

For those who are living in balcony apartments, here are some safety tips :

• Never BBQ or create a fire pit on your balcony, flames or burning coal can ignite you or your neighbors balconies and their belongings.
• If you smoke, make sure the cigarette is fully extinguished before throwing it out below or adjacent balconies.
• Limit storing various items in the balcony.
• Steer clear of adding flammable items into your balcony.

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