The Ministry of Emergency Situations informs

Over the 8 months of the current year, 658 fires occurred in the Vitebsk region, resulting in 66 fatalities. Of these, 86 fires were caused by violations of the rules for operating stoves, heat-generating units, and devices, and 21 fires were caused by violations of the rules for the construction and installation of stoves, heat-generating units, and devices.

Few people consider that a stove is a source of warmth and comfort in a home, but without proper attention and maintenance, it can become a potential cause of fire.

For those who care about their safety and the safety of their loved ones, here are a few recommendations from the Ministry of Emergency Situations.

The first thing to remember is that before the start of the heating season, it is necessary to clean the chimney flues of soot. You should also not forget that the chimney must be plastered and whitewashed – this will allow you to easily detect and eliminate cracks through which sparks can fall onto the combustible roof structures. All cracks must also be sealed in the body of the stove itself. Under no circumstances should the stove body be covered with combustible materials or painted with combustible paint. The combustible floor in front of the stove's firebox opening must, without fail, be

protected by non-combustible sheet or tile material.

After preparing the stove for the heating season, you should remember the operating rules:

- do not overheat the stove. In severe frosts, it is better to heat the stove twice a day - in the morning and in the evening;

- do not use firewood for heating the stove whose size exceeds the dimensions of the stove's firebox – remember, the firebox door must be closed during heating;

- do not use combustible and flammable liquids to light the stove;

- ensure that heating stops at least two hours before you go to bed;

- do not allow combustible materials (rags, clothes, shoes, dry firewood, etc.) to be stored on the stove body or in close proximity to it;

- do not

under no circumstances should children be allowed to light or supervise the stove;

- before closing the upper damper of the stove, ensure that the firewood in the firebox has completely burned out.

Observe fire safety rules, protect yourself and your loved ones!