As the UAE experiences its coldest winter temperatures with readings plunging to 3.5°C in mountainous regions, Abu Dhabi authorities have escalated public safety warnings regarding heating equipment hazards. The Abu Dhabi Police and Civil Defence Authority have jointly issued comprehensive guidelines addressing the dangerous misuse of both traditional and modern heating devices.
With Jebel Jais Mountain in Ras Al Khaimah recording unprecedented seasonal lows following recent thunderstorms and unstable weather patterns, residents are increasingly turning to various heating methods. Authorities emphasize that all heating systems—whether charcoal-based, firewood-powered, or electric—carry significant risks if improperly utilized.
The safety advisory specifically prohibits numerous hazardous practices including: indoor ignition of firewood or charcoal; sleeping in proximity to active heaters; inadequate ventilation management; improper extinguishment protocols; and negligence regarding electrical capacity requirements. Additional warnings address the dangers of placing heating elements under carpets, allowing children near operational devices, and positioning heaters near flammable materials, water sources, or damp areas.
Particular emphasis is placed on the critical importance of deactivating all heating systems before sleeping or vacating premises. The authorities’ alert comes as a preventive measure against potential tragedies involving residential fires or carbon monoxide suffocation, which historically increase during temperature drops across the emirates.