Oman

How to avoid and deal with short circuits at home

 
The Oman Electricity Transmission Company (OETC) has warned people of fire risks due to overuse of electronic gadgets at home, especially under extreme heat conditions.

'As temperatures rise, the electrical appliances, upholstery, and furniture in your home may be affected, and this may cause accidents such as electrical short circuits or damage to some devices as a result of extreme heat and a lack of care to secure the house,' OETC said.

Some tips to be followed are:

Avoid using a shared electrical outlet.

Only use one air conditioner.

Disconnect unused electrical devices.

Charge the phone away from the bed.

Avoid leaving the exhaust fans running for long periods.

Switch off the power and gas sources and, if possible, remove any material that may catch fire to prevent the spread of fire.

Evacuate all the people from the house and assist the elderly, children, and individuals with special needs to leave quickly before the spread of fire.

Fight the fire with any firefighting equipment available, including the fire blanket.

In cases of thick smoke, use a wet towel over your mouth and nose to avoid choking.