Erbil Civil Defense issues guidelines for picnics as end of Ramadan fasting nears

ERBIL — Erbil’s Civil Defense Directorate issued a list of public safety instructions on Thursday urging citizens to follow basic guidelines during spring outings and picnics to protect both people and the environment.

The notice asked residents to unplug home electrical devices and securely close gas valves before leaving for trips. It also advised keeping picnic areas clean and free of litter to protect natural spaces.

“Do not leave your campfire unattended,” the directorate said, warning against burning tires, nylon, or plastic, which pose environmental and health hazards. Citizens were also told to avoid using firearms or lighting fires in recreational areas, and to ensure they have portable fire extinguishers both at home and in their vehicles.

The statement emphasized the importance of not throwing trash, cigarette butts, or other waste from cars, and to park vehicles away from fire-prone areas.

Parents were urged to closely supervise children near water sources or mountain slopes to prevent drowning or falls. The public was also asked not to crowd around accident scenes to avoid complicating emergency responses.

“In the event of any danger, accident, or fire, please contact the Erbil Civil Defense emergency hotlines at 115 or 125,” the statement said.

In the Kurdistan Region, the pleasant weather during spring and summer encourages many families to spend time outdoors, especially in nature areas and along rivers. While picnicking is a popular tradition, each year sees a number of unfortunate accidents — particularly drownings in rivers and lakes — often due to a lack of supervision or awareness of water safety.