In Gosenergogaznadzor told that it is necessary to check in the house before the heating season

Before the start of the heating season, it is necessary to check the state of electrical wiring, sockets, protective devices, chimneys and ventilation channels, and when using gas equipment, install a carbon monoxide sensor. This was announced by Deputy General Director of State Energy and Gas Supervision Egor Knotko at a press conference “Emergency Prevention in the Autumn-Winter Period”. Prevention of fires in the homes of citizens and deaths from them, writes BelTA.

With the onset of cold weather in the residential sector sharply increases the consumption of energy resources. Citizens are beginning to actively use heating systems, water heating devices and additional electrical equipment. At the same time, the risk of accidents and fires due to violations of operating rules increases.

Electricity: What to check at home?

In the three quarters of 2026, 12 electric accidents were registered in Belarus. 12 people were injured, three died. During the same period of 2025, 16 such cases were registered, with 13 people killed. At the same time, experts record an increase in the number of cases among children: for nine months there were eight against two such cases in the same period last year.

The most common cause of electrical fires is short circuit. It is often caused by old or damaged insulation. During examinations, specialists detect damage to the wiring in basements, attics, as well as in places where it could be damaged by rodents or pets.

Another common risk is overloading the power grid. It occurs when several powerful devices are simultaneously switched on, especially if they are connected through a single extension cord, tee or socket, not designed for such a load.

The danger is homemade extension cords and electrical appliances, as well as equipment of unknown quality. Specialists pay attention to the so-called transition resistance, which occurs due to poor contact of wires in sockets and switches or with improper connection of conductors from different metals.

Before the heating season, Gosenergogaznadzor recommends visually checking sockets, switches and protection devices. The alarming signs are heating, sparkling and external damage. It is necessary to use only serviceable and certified equipment and operate it in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Provisional maintenance and electrophysical tests should also be carried out for electrical equipment. For residential buildings, experts recommend checking the insulation of electrical wiring once every 10 years.

Why can't we use bugs?

To protect the power grid, serviceable automatic switches and fuses with appropriate denominations should be used. Independent installation of so-called bugs instead of them is unacceptable. This practice actually overstates the permissible current of the protective device. As a result, in the event of an emergency, it may not work, which increases the risk of electric shock and fire.

Another means of protection, experts call protective shutdown devices (RCD). They are designed to protect a person from electric shock and reduce the risk of fire due to leakage currents. As an example, Yegor Knotko cited washing machines. If the electric heating element is damaged, the voltage may be on the metal housing of the device. If a person simultaneously touches the body and is in a wet room, there is a risk of electric shock. RCD reduces this risk.

In case of an emergency, it is first necessary to turn off the faulty device. If this is not possible, you should turn off the appropriate machine or completely de-energize the house or apartment. Therefore, every family member should know where the electric shield is.

Special attention Gosenergogaznadzor recommends to pay modern household devices with batteries – mobile phones, electric scooters, power banks and other devices. Experts advise against leaving the phone charging under a pillow or next to other flammable materials, especially at night. Chargers and batteries can not be left unnecessarily connected to the network when there is no one in the room.

Do not use electrical appliances in wet rooms, especially during bathing. According to Yegor Knotko, this year there was a tragic case with a teenager associated with the use of a phone and a charger in the bathroom.

A separate direction of preventive work is the prevention of carbon monoxide poisoning. In January - March 2026, five carbon monoxide-related incidents occurred in Belarus, 15 people were injured.

One of the main preventive measures is timely inspection of smoke and ventilation channels. It should be carried out before the beginning of the heating period. In houses and apartments where gas equipment - gas columns, boilers and other appliances - chimneys and ventilation must comply with the requirements of technical regulatory legal acts.

Specialists separately warn about the danger of self-installed protective "umbrellas" over the smoke channels. In cold weather, they can prevent the normal output of combustion products, contribute to freezing of the channel and the entry of carbon monoxide into the room.

Carbon monoxide is especially dangerous because it has no color and smell. Therefore, Gosenergogaznadzor recommends installing carbon monoxide alarms in rooms with gas and heating equipment. Such devices warn of dangerous concentration of gas by sound and light signal.

Gas equipment cannot be repaired independently

Another mandatory rule is not to leave a working gas stove unattended. If a person is distracted, the contents of the dishes can boil or catch fire, after which the fire will spread to the room. The danger is also clothing with long or hanging elements. When the gas stove works, it can catch fire.

It is strictly forbidden to independently repair, install, transfer or reconnect gas equipment. In 2026, experts investigated the case of an explosion that occurred during the self-connection of gas equipment. The man tried to perform the work without cutting off the gas supply, which led to serious consequences.

When operating gas appliances, it is necessary to ensure the flow of fresh air, in particular, to open the window or window in accordance with safety requirements. If there is a smell of gas in the room, it is necessary to close the faucets, open the windows for ventilation, do not turn on or off electrical appliances, do not use open fire and do not smoke. After that, you need to leave the room immediately and call the emergency gas service by calling 104.

Safety rules are explained and using the infomobile

Gosenergogaznadzor expands information and explanatory work with the population. Thematic quests, trainings, board games, demonstration stands, audio and video materials are used. This year, the agency acquired a mobile information complex – an infomobile. It allows to carry out preventive measures directly in settlements, children's camps and at mass events. The complex is equipped with a large interactive touch panel and a holographic projector for preventive measures with demonstration of videos and interactive safety lessons. Inside, the body is equipped with individually ordered racks for transportation and placement of preventive products and models for electrical and thermal safety, as well as the safe operation of gas equipment.

In addition, from September 8 to October 16, an additional preventive action on the safe use of gas in everyday life is being carried out together with gas supply organizations.

“Prevention of fires, accidents and deaths in the autumn-winter period is our common comprehensive task,” said Yegor Knotko. According to him, protective devices and modern methods of control help to reduce risks, but the most important factor remains the responsible attitude of citizens to their own security.

Photo by Belt.

Photo on the announcement: the website of Gosenergogaznadzor.