Fire Safety Rules

Rules for using a fire extinguisher

• Read the label on the fire extinguisher to learn which types of fires it can be used for;
• Gas-based extinguishers are used for all types of fires;
• Powder-based extinguishers are used for electrical fires;
• Foam extinguishers are used for solid materials and flammable liquids;
• If the pressure gauge needle is in the green zone, the extinguisher is ready for use;
• A characteristic sound is heard during use;

To use a fire extinguisher:

• Break the plastic seal on top;
• Remove the iron safety pin between the handles;
• Stand at a safe distance and aim the nozzle directly at the base of the fire;
• Squeeze the handle slowly;
• Move the nozzle up and down, left and right to completely extinguish the fire.

Fire in the household

Follow these rules to ensure safety in case of a household fire:

• Call the '112' hotline;
• Try to extinguish the fire with an extinguisher or available tools (water, sand, etc.);
• Close doors and windows to prevent the fire from spreading;
• If possible, turn off electrical and gas appliances;
• Protect yourself from smoke by covering your mouth and nose with a wet cloth;
• To block smoke from other rooms, stuff gaps around doors with wet rags;
• Crawl or bend low as there is less smoke near the floor;
• If the fire intensifies, take your documents and important items and leave immediately;
• Help children, the elderly, and those in need leave the apartment;
• If exit is impossible, wait for firefighters on the balcony or by the window;
• Do not use the elevator;

Fire safety rules for electrical systems

Follow these rules to ensure fire safety in electrical systems:

• Regularly check the condition of electrical systems and appliances;
• Entrust repairs and installation only to specialists;
• Do not use wires with damaged insulation;
• Use circuit breakers to prevent short circuits;
• Do not connect too many appliances at the same time;
• Do not leave chargers plugged in unattended;
• Keep space heaters away from flammable materials (curtains, furniture);

Safe use of gas in the household

Follow safety rules to prevent fires, explosions, and poisonings in the household:

• Do not use non-standard gas appliances;
• Always keep gas appliances in good condition;
• Entrust chimney cleaning to specialists;
• Keep vents open in rooms with gas appliances;
• Do not leave operating gas appliances unattended;
• Do not dry clothes over a gas stove;
• Always close the gas valve before leaving home;

Source: Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES)