As part of its precautionary measures, the Sharjah Civil Defence has introduced advanced equipment to minimise fire accidents that see a spike during the summer.

Col Sami Al Naqbi, Director-General of the Sharjah Civil Defence, said that the department also has planned intensified awareness programmes and inspections throughout the year, targeting companies and warehouses to ensure that they are following the prescribed rules and regulations. "The errant companies will face hefty fines which will be determined based on the gravity of the violation," he added.

Col Al Naqbi pointed out that the department always seeks to provide protection and safety to the public by introducing precautionary measures to prevent occurrence of fire accidents. These measures include awareness programmes that educate the people to implement the fire safety procedures at workplace, petrol stations, companies, buildings, homes and in the cars.

He warned the public of increased cases of gas leak and cylinder explosions due to high temperature. Improper ways of storing and overstocking the cylinders were blamed for the accidents in many cases.

The department also encouraged families to ensure gas cylinders were kept in secure locations, and out of the reach of children.

Gas cylinders should not be exposed to direct sunlight. The safety of gas lines, ovens and the availability of fire extinguishers are keys to avoid accidents.

Kitchen ventilators that trap grease could overheat and ignite - a main reason for fires in homes and restaurants.

He urged the residents to ensure that the transformers and electrical connections are functioning efficiently, and avoid the use of poor quality electrical cables or extensions to plug in power to devices such as refrigerators, heaters, air conditioners and suction fans.

Col Al Naqbi also stressed the need to ensure the availability of safety requirements for cookers and examine all electricity and gas connections. If any fault is detected, professional technicians should be called to repair it.

Don't allow children in the kitchen while working cooking hot liquids, such as oil and water, he cautioned.

UAE resident alert: 10 ways to avoid gas cylinder mishaps at home

(Information retrieved from Supergas website)

Gas cylinders are most commonly and popularly used for cooking purposes around the world. Along with the ease and convenience come certain precautions that UAE residents should take to avoid gas cylinder fires at their homes

First and foremost, one should always ensure that the gas cylinder is delivered to them with the safety cap and the company's seal in place. Seek the assistance of professional technicians if any defect is found in electric or gas connections

Residents must ensure that gas cylinders are kept in secure locations, out of the reach of children

The cylinder should always be kept in a vertical position with its valve on top

The cooking appliance/device should be placed higher than the gas cylinder. The cylinder can be preferably placed at the ground level in this instance

Residents should make sure that the transformers and electrical connections are functioning efficiently

The cylinder must be checked for leakages after being connected to the cooking device (can be checked by means of gas leakage smell)

The place where the gas cylinder is placed should always be well ventilated. Good quality cables or extensions for devices such as refrigerators, heaters, air conditioners and suction fans should be used

Make sure that the cylinder is never exposed to any kind of heat, sun, rain or dust.

Other devices such as the gas tube, the safety knob on the gas cylinder and the appliance joint should also be checked for leakages

All flames in the kitchen should be completely put out when disconnecting the empty cylinder

Source: Khaleej Times