Civil Defense guidelines for preventing the dangers of coal and firewood

With temperatures dropping and reliance on traditional heating methods increasing, the General Directorate of Civil Defense its warnings to citizens and residents, urging strict adherence to safety guidelines and precautions against the potential dangers of using coal and firewood for heating. This warning is part of ongoing efforts to raise public awareness and prevent tragic accidents that may occur due to negligence or misuse during the winter season.

Basic safety guidelines for handling heating appliances

The directorate emphasized a set of vital instructions that must be followed when using charcoal or firewood, most notably:

• Good ventilation: Do not light coal or firewood inside closed rooms without ventilation outlets, as this is the main cause of suffocation.
• Lighting a fire outside the house: It is preferable to light the charcoal outside until the smoke has completely disappeared and turned into embers before bringing it into the designated place.
• Protecting children: Prevent children from approaching or tampering with sources of fire to avoid burns or fires.
• Extinguish the fire before going to sleep: It is necessary to make sure that the embers are completely extinguished when leaving the house or before going to sleep.
• Keep flammable materials away: Keep furniture, fabrics, and highly flammable materials away from the stove.

The silent killer: Why is coal dangerous indoors?

From a scientific and medical perspective, the danger of using charcoal and firewood indoors lies in the emission of carbon monoxide (CO) , also known as the "silent killer." This gas is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making it difficult to detect with the naked senses. When inhaled, CO binds to hemoglobin in the blood more strongly than oxygen, preventing oxygen from reaching the brain and vital tissues. This leads to loss of consciousness and death in a short time, with the victim experiencing no prior warning symptoms other than drowsiness or a mild headache.

Social context and the importance of awareness during the winter season

Camping around a campfire (known locally as "shabh al-daw") is an integral part of the heritage and culture of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf countries, especially during winter and in desert camps. However, preserving this tradition requires a high level of awareness of safety standards. Annual statistics indicate that many cases of suffocation and house fires occur specifically during this season due to lax ventilation procedures. Therefore, adhering to Civil Defense guidelines is not merely a routine procedure, but an absolute necessity to protect lives and property.

Emergency numbers and request for assistance

The General Directorate of Civil Defense urged everyone to follow its official platforms on media outlets and social media for the latest alerts. In emergencies, do not hesitate to call the unified numbers for immediate assistance

• The number (911) is available in the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province.
• The number (998) in the rest of the regions of the Kingdom.