Summer without accidents: Key safety tips for drivers and families

The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has published five important safety guidelines to protect individuals inside vehicles during the summer season, targeting both drivers and children. These directives are part of the Ministry of Interior’s “Summer Without Accidents” campaign.

The Ministry advised that to ensure your safety and the safety of your loved ones while driving, you should follow these five key recommendations:

• Do not leave the vehicle running for extended periods while parked.

• Never leave children unattended in the car, regardless of the duration.

• Avoid placing air fresheners or pressurized containers inside the vehicle.

• Refrain from using incense burners inside the car.

• Always ensure the presence of a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher.

Additionally, the Ministry emphasized in awareness videos shared across its digital platforms the importance of turning off the engine and locking the vehicle when exiting during refueling. It also warned against smoking at fuel stations—whether near or far from fuel dispensers—stating that smoking at these facilities is an extremely dangerous behavior with potentially disastrous consequences. The Ministry stressed that protecting lives and property by abstaining from smoking in these areas is a shared responsibility.

National fuel station safety campaign 2025 continues successfully

The sixth edition of the National Fuel Station Safety Campaign 2025, organized by the Joint Committee for Security and Safety, is progressing successfully. The campaign, which began on July 26, 2025, will run until August 31, 2025, in conjunction with “Fuel Station Safety Day,” observed annually on July 17. This year’s campaign runs under the slogan “Safety is a Commitment, Not a Choice,” reinforcing the importance of adhering to preventive behaviors and correct safety procedures at fuel stations.

Who is most at risk from extreme heat?

Extreme heat poses a health risk to everyone, but certain groups are especially vulnerable, including infants, children, pregnant women, and the elderly.

For infants and young children, high temperatures can be especially dangerous, as their bodies struggle more than adults to regulate temperature. Dehydration in children can escalate quickly and become life-threatening, making adult supervision crucial during hot weather.

Pregnant women are also at greater risk. High heat and dehydration can contribute to low birth weight, preterm birth, or even stillbirth. Expectant mothers may face additional complications such as early labor, gestational diabetes, and high blood pressure due to extreme heat.

Fire hazard awareness during summer

With rising temperatures and dry conditions in the UAE summer, the risk of house fires significantly increases, posing a major challenge to public safety and environmental protection for both citizens and tourists. Government entities have intensified their focus on fire prevention strategies to limit the potentially devastating impact of fires and to enhance public awareness of the causes of summer fires and how to avoid them.

It is crucial to stay vigilant and adopt fire-safety practices, particularly during the hot season. The following are common causes and preventive measures:

Common causes of summer fires:

• Extreme heat: High temperatures increase the risk of ignition for flammable materials.

• Electrical faults: Overloading power outlets or air conditioning units can lead to short circuits.

• Neglecting safety protocols: For example, discarding lit cigarette butts or lighting fires in unauthorized areas.

• Flammable material storage: Storing combustible items near heat sources increases the risk.

• Gas-related mistakes: Gas leaks or improper handling of gas appliances.

Fire prevention measures:

• Electrical maintenance: Ensure wiring and sockets are safe and avoid overloading.

• Avoid smoking indoors: Always extinguish cigarette butts properly.

• Safe storage: Keep flammable materials in cool, secure places away from heat.

• Install smoke detectors: For early fire detection.

• Keep fire extinguishers available: And know how to use them.

• Proper ventilation: Ventilate homes regularly to prevent gas accumulation.

• Caution during barbecues: Only grill in designated areas and never leave fire sources unattended.

• Never leave flammable materials in direct sunlight: Especially inside vehicles.

• Educate children: Teach them about fire risks and safety.

In case of fire:

• Call Civil Defence immediately.

• Evacuate the building promptly.

• Use a fire extinguisher only if it is safe to do so.

• Do not take unnecessary risks or endanger others.

By adhering to these safety guidelines, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of fire incidents and help protect lives and property during the summer months.