Avoid leaving these items in your car, and more tips from Dubai and AD Police

As summer temperatures peak in the UAE, authorities have launched an awareness campaign to reduce the risk of fire accidents.

Dubai police posted a video on their official social media accounts urging residents to avoid leaving certain items in their cars, especially when parked under direct sunlight.

These items, which can increase the risk of fire, include perfume, electronic cigarettes, batteries, portable chargers, lighters, hand sanitizer, and gas cylinders.

A few days ago, Abu Dhabi Police issued a similar warning to residents, advising them not to leave any flammable materials in their vehicles as temperatures exceed 40 degrees Celsius.

Don't forget your children

As part of the ''Summer Safe'' campaign, Abu Dhabi Police also urged parents to avoid leaving or forgetting their children in cars, especially during the summer. They emphasized that this practice is life-threatening, even if the children are left for a short time.

Additionally, Abu Dhabi Police warned parents about the legal consequences of leaving their children unattended in cars. This practice is considered a "crime of negligence," punishable by imprisonment and fines exceeding 5,000 AED.

Check your car regularly

Neglecting your car or making the inspection test in an uncertified garage also increases the chances of your car catching on fire.

Ahmad Mohammad from the Fire Section at the General Department of Forensic Sciences and Criminology at Dubai Police said recently that there were 94 fires in vehicles from January 1 to April 10. He emphasized that the main cause of the fire was poor inspection or getting the servicing done from non-certified garages.

In addition to that, Hamdan Hamad Al Suwaidi, Director of the Civil Protection Department at Dubai Civil Defense, in an interview with the local newspaper “Albayan”, suggested several tips to decrease the risk of vehicle fires.

1. The daily monitoring of engine temperature and cooling water levels.
2. Carry out maintenance by a vehicle technician.
3. Close the fuel tank cap tightly to prevent leakage and avoid the risk of ignition.
4. Refrain from smoking inside the vehicle.
5. Switch off the car engine while filling it with fuel.
6. Keep a suitable fire extinguisher and practice using it, and keep a first aid kit and practice using it as well.

As part of the same campaign, Dubai Police is also offering a free car inspection for all private car owners until the end of August.

Note: In case of emergency, call Civil Defense immediately on 997.