Using balconies as a store room is a safety hazard, warn authorities
ajman — Storing inflammable objects, smoking cigarettes and shishas and grilling food in apartment balconies will lead to fires and will put lives in dangers, authorities have warned residents of Ajman.
Brigadier Mohamed Ali Al Suwaidi, director of fire stations in Ajman, urged residents to be cautious while storing materials in the balconies, pointing out that they are a source of danger to their children’s lives and other residents of the building.
“Many residents store gas cylinders in balconies, not realising that due to high-temperature exposures, they may explode. Residents should be careful to use safe electric connections to avoid short circuits, thereby preventing potential fires,” he said.
The official also attributed fire accidents in residential buildings to barbecuing. He urged the authorities concerned to crack down on residents who store junk objects in balconies.
An official at the Ajman Municipality said the civic body is on a continuous crackdown of residents who hang clothes and store objects and junks in balconies overlooking the public streets. “These practices pose danger to children, cause accidents and also affect the aesthetic beauty of the emirate,” he said.
Many residents store gas cylinders in balconies, not realising that due to hightemperature exposures, they may explode.” Brigadier Mohamed Ali Al Suwaidi, director, fire stations in Ajman
Ban in place, says Sharjah
The Sharjah Municipality said the civic body has already issued rules and regulations banning barbecuing, smoking of shisha or use of fire and smoke for any purposes in balconies. The circular has been distributed to the management of all residential buildings and towers in the emirate.
The municipality has also instructed them to post the warnings and circulars at the entrance of buildings.
The authorities urged residents to lodge complaints against violators by calling 933. The municipality will impose fines starting from Dh500 to Dh1,000 depending on the seriousness of the violations.
Residents are urged to be cautious while storing materials in balconies of their apartments, as they are a source of danger to their lives and other residents of the building.” Brigadier Mohamed Ali Al Suwaidi, director of the fire stations, Ajman
At times, they (tenants) throw cigarette butts to my balcony. I urge the municipality to do something to stop these kinds of practices.” Rabab Mubarak, Ajman resident