Preventing home accidents and traffic accidents during Ramadan

With the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan and its special spiritual atmosphere, and in the interest of protecting lives and property, the General Directorate of Civil Protection calls upon all citizens to exercise the utmost caution and vigilance, and to take the necessary preventive measures to reduce the risk of daily accidents.

Civil Protection units record a significant number of accidents annually during this blessed month, particularly traffic accidents and domestic accidents, in addition to other miscellaneous incidents, which result in substantial human and material losses. Therefore, the Civil Protection reiterates its call to citizens to adhere to preventive guidelines, as they are the best way to prevent these risks and minimize their impact.

In the area of ​​road safety, reckless driving and disregard for traffic laws are among the leading causes of traffic accidents during Ramadan, especially before Iftar (the breaking of the fast) or in the early morning. Excessive speed, fatigue resulting from fasting, and driving while drowsy all contribute to a higher level of risk. This risk is compounded for bus, taxi, and freight truck drivers, given their long journeys and extended periods of travel.

Therefore, road users must strictly adhere to traffic rules, avoid speeding and dangerous overtaking, maintain a safe following distance, and take regular breaks when feeling tired or drowsy. It is also advised not to drive for more than three consecutive hours and to ensure regular vehicle maintenance. In addition, motorcyclists and other road users must wear helmets and comply with traffic laws to ensure their safety.

Regarding household accidents, the risks of burns, suffocation, and poisoning remain among the most prominent dangers threatening families, especially women and children, due to the misuse or improper storage of cleaning products and hazardous materials. Therefore, mixing these materials should be avoided, and gloves and protective clothing should be worn when using them. They should also be stored in safe places, out of the reach of children.

Caution should also be exercised when handling hot food and frying oils, or when transferring them from the kitchen to the dining room, as many cases of burns are reported, especially before breakfast. It should also be noted that cases of food poisoning during Ramadan are often due to improper storage, failure to maintain the cold chain, or purchasing food from informal and unregulated markets that lack proper hygiene, storage, and transportation standards.

To avoid this, it is recommended to purchase food from designated sales outlets and strictly adhere to proper storage practices.

In case of any incidents, the Civil Protection urges citizens to immediately contact them via the toll-free number 1021 or the emergency number 14, accurately specifying the nature of the incident and the address to ensure a swift and effective response.