The holy month of Ramadan is observed by at least a billion Muslims across the world every year. Muslims across the world fast completely during the daylight hours of each day until the maghrib (sunset) prayer, refraining from food and drink, and as well as intimate contact and smoking.

However, there are also risks and common accidents that happen during Ramadan. Here is how to avoid them:

Home Safety

When fire breaks out in the oil pan:

  • Avoid pouring water into an oil pan as it ignites the fire.
  • Cover the burning pan by placing the nearest thick lid on the pan or cover it with fire blanket.

When fire breaks out in the trash bin:

  • Cover the burning trash bin immediately with a damp cloth in order to prevent oxygen from igniting  the fire.

Protection from fire at home

  • Ensure that a good fire extinguisher is available at your home.
  • Don’t leave the children in the kitchen or nearby hot and burning materials or electrical power sources.
  • Don’t put on flowing dresses or nylon mixed wears in the kitchen in order to avoid catching fire.

When you smell gas odour

  • Immediately open all doors and windows to reduce concentration of leaked gas.
  • Never use a burning matchstick near a gas cylinder to locate the place of leakage.
  • Avoid switching on the exhaust fan for ventilation and don’t switch on lights as they may serve as points of ignition to the highly inflammable gas.

Traffic Safety

  • Do not rush to reach Iftar. Start driving early enough before Iftar time as the period before Iftar is considered as the most vulnerable time for traffic accidents  during the holy month of Ramadan.
  • Don’t let the children play in the internal roads of the residential areas especially at night in order to ensure their safety from traffic accidents. Allow them to play only at designated areas for playing.
  • Avoid parking vehicles in such a way that may obstruct traffic movement, especially during the prayer timings like Taraweeh or night (Thahajjud) prayers or Iftar gatherings.
  • Avoid last day shopping for Eid and finish it early enough to avoid traffic jam and parking at no parking areas because of huge rush

Karangao Night

  • The Qatari society celebrates the local fiesta of Karangao Night on 15th Ramadan; therefore, be extra cautious while on roads and take safety measures to avoid traffic accidents. Remember, children will be walking around residential neighborhoods to collect gifts during this night.

Vehicle Collision Accidents

  • Ensure that the road is completely free from both sides before crossing, especially during peak hours.
  • Cross the road only through designated areas for crossing if available.
  • Always remember – you are responsible for your safety!

Begging

  • Begging is a reprehensible behavior. If you see begging, report the incident to MoI’s Anti-Begging Section on 234 7444 or 234 7483.
  • The really needy people can approach charity organisations such as Qatar Charity or Qatar Red Crescent in the country.

Protection from the risks of food poisoning

  • Check the validity of canned, frozen or preserved foodstuff and also make sure that there aren’t any changes in the foodstuff’s smell, colour or texture.
  • The foodstuff has been kept in a clean and closed place or in the refrigerator if it is needed.
  • The place and the food is clean and neat whenever you dine out; and ensure the quality of the food.

Emergency

What should you do in case of an emergency? In case of any emergency don’t get scared, but act wisely and call 999 or 992 immediately if the caller is deaf.

Author: Ola Diab

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