The holy month of Ramadan is an occasion to practice self-restraint, patience and kindness.

In Qatar it is celebrated with the utmost zeal reflected in the Ramadan bazaars set up at different locations across the country, Ramadan tents at various hotels, the availability of discounted food products at major supermarkets, enlightening exhibitions and a number of charity endeavors.

While all of this makes the experience of Ramadan even more memorable in Qatar, it is highly important to ensure your safety as well as that of your family and that of others around you as you celebrate this blessed month.

The Ministry of Interior (MOI) has highlighted a number of safety tips that will help you avert safety hazards and remain free of harm during this holy month of Ramadan. 

Follow these and have a safe Ramadan:

Traffic Safety

Photo Credit: Flickr/ Sam Agnew 

Don’t rush to reach the place where you intend to have Iftar

It is advisable to start your commute early, before the Iftar time, as the period before Iftar has been observed to be the most vulnerable time for traffic accidents during the holy month of Ramadan.

Safety of Children

Be cautious of allowing children to play on the internal roads in residential areas, especially during the night to avoid any road accidents. Only allow them to play at areas designated for playing.

Wrong Parking

Please avoid wrong parking of vehicles, obstructing the traffic movement on the road, especially during the night prayer timings like Taraweeh or mid night prayers or Iftar gatherings.

Collision Accidents

Before crossing the road, make sure that there are no vehicles coming from both (left and right) sides. Be extra careful during peak hours and cross the road only through designated areas for crossing.

Shopping

^{Photo Credit: The Greek Pinay}

Avoid any last day shopping for Ramadan and Eid. Try to finish it early enough to avoid traffic jam and parking at no-parking areas causing heavy rush on the roads.

Garangao Night

The Qatari society celebrates the local fiesta of “Garangao” on the 15th night of Ramadan. During this occasion, many children will be walking around residential areas to collect sweets and gifts offered by neighbors. Be extra cautious at this time. If you’re driving on the road during this night, be extra vigilant to ensure the safety of children.

Preventing Food Poisoning

^{Photo Credit: WebMD}

Check the validity of canned, frozen or preserved foodstuff and also make sure that there isn’t any change in the smell, color or texture of the stuff.

Ensure that foodstuff has been kept in a clean and closed place or in the refrigerator.

Whenever you dine out, make sure the place and food are clean and adhere to hygiene standards.

Fire Prevention in the Kitchen

When you Smell Gas Odor

Immediately ventilate the place by opening all doors and windows to eliminate or reduce concentration of the leaked gas.

Avoid ventilation of the place by switching on the exhaust fan, because the leaked gas may instantly ignite. An electric spark, when switching on a fan or a light, may become the source of ignition to the highly inflammable gas.

Use soap foam for locating the leakage of the gas and never use a burning matchstick near a gas cylinder to locate the place of leakage.

When fire breaks out in the oil pan

^{Photo Credit: Runcorn and Widnes World} 

Please cover the burning pan with a fire blanket in order to isolate the source of the oxygen and avoid pouring water into an oil pan as it will ignite the fire.

When fire breaks out in the trash bin

Cover the burning trash bin immediately with a fire blanket or damp cloth to prevent oxygen from reaching it. Oxygen is the main factor for the ignition. 

Equip your house with a suitable fire extinguisher and ensure its validity and functionality.

Don’t leave the children alone in the kitchen or nearby hot and burning materials or electrical power sources.

While working in the kitchen, avoid wearing flowing dresses or nylon-mixed clothes, which are prone to fire ignition.

We hope these were helpful. Share with your friends and family and keep safe!
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For all you need to know about this year's Ramadan, check out our dedicated Ramadan 2019 page.

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