More than 60 people perished in fires in Moldova so far this year, while 18 persons died after suffering poisoning by carbon monoxide emitted by heating systems. To avoid tragedies, specialists recommend examining heating installations before the start of the heating season, either these are powered by natural gas or solid fuel. The installation of smoke and gas detectors is also among the security measures.
Contacted by IPN, Liliana Pușcașu, press office of the General Inspectorate for Emergencies, said that in case of stove-heated houses, metallic plates should be set up near the entrance to the stove so that the live coals that can fall out do not cause a fire. The easily flammable things, such as clothes, textiles and furniture, should not be placed near stoves.
The General Inspectorate for Emergencies since 2017 has conducted the campaign “A protected home, a saved life” all over Moldova. The campaign consists in the installation of smoke detectors in the homes of families with persons confined to bed or with other disabilities, of elderly persons and families with many children. Smoke detectors in about 2,500 homes have been set up so far.
The Inspectorate calls on the families that are not entitled to smoke detectors as part of the campaign “A protected home, a saved life” to seek help from authorized persons and install smoke detectors individually.
Vitalie Bordeniuc, head of the Gas Network Exploitation and Production Control Division of “Moldovagaz”, said in order to avoid gas leaks, the ventilation shafts should be permanently checked by specialists of specialized companies who must issue an installation compliance certificate at the end. It is also recommended using modern gas systems that have automated safety systems incorporated. There should also be installed gas detectors with electromagnetic valves that automatically disconnect the system from the supply of gas when natural gas leaks are detected.
In 2014, installing automated safety systems in apartments of new blocks and private homes connected to the gas system became mandatory. Vitalie Bordeniuc said the citizens who live in older homes and do not have methane gas detectors should buy these individually. The given devices are installed by “Moldovagaz” at the request of consumers. “Moldovagaz” is the only company authorized to install such devices.
