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LPG Fire Safety During Harmattan: What Every Nigerian Home Should Know
Harmattan season in Nigeria comes with cold mornings, dusty winds, and very dry air. While many households enjoy the cooler weather, this period also records a high number of fire outbreaks, especially in homes that use LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) for cooking.
From Lagos to Abuja, Ibadan to Onitsha, many reported kitchen fires during harmattan are linked to gas leaks, poor ventilation, and old cooking equipment. Sadly, most of these incidents are preventable.
Many fire incidents during harmattan are not caused by witchcraft or “bad luck.” They often happen because of small mistakes, poor maintenance, or lack of safety awareness when using cooking gas.
Why Harmattan Season Increases Fire Risk
During harmattan, the air is very dry and humidity is low. This creates a perfect condition for fire to start and spread quickly.
Dry air makes fire spread faster. In fact, in dry season materials like curtains, cardboard, wood, and clothes burn easily. Also, gas leaks ignite faster than usual - and so small sparks can turn into big fires within seconds.
Funny enough, it seems like LPG cooking gas finishes a lot quicker during harmattan season, thus increases the use of cooking gas - because mornings and nights are cold, and people cook more hot meals.
Some leave gas connected for long hours. Others cook indoors with poor ventilation to avoid cold
All these increase the chances of gas-related accidents.
4 Major Risks to Watch Out For During Harmattan
Small Gas Leak Turns Into a Major Fire
A family notices a mild gas smell in the kitchen but ignores it, thinking it is “nothing serious.” Because the windows are closed due to cold weather, gas builds up in the room.
Once the stove is lit, boom - a sudden fire outbreak occurs. This is very common during harmattan.
Old or Damaged Gas Hose
Many homes use the same gas hose for years without replacement. During harmattan, the cold and dry air can make old rubber hoses crack. A tiny crack leaks gas slowly. When cooking starts, the leaked gas catches fire.
Cooking Indoors Without Ventilation
To avoid cold air, some people:
> Close all windows and doors
> Cook in small, enclosed kitchens
If gas leaks in such spaces, there is nowhere for it to escape, making fire outbreaks more likely.
Improper Cylinder Storage
Some people keep gas cylinders near heat sources, or inside small kitchens. While others under direct sunlight during the day. This is very wrong, as heat increases pressure inside the cylinder, which can lead to leaks or explosions.
Common Mistakes People Make With LPG During Harmattan
1. Most people ignore gas smell. Gas has a strong smell for a reason. Any gas smell is a warning sign and should never be ignored.
2. Don't forget, using faulty burners and regulators can lead to gas leak which can cause fire outbreak or explosion.
3. Gas leak can also be from a loose regulator, rusty burner, or worn-out knob. These small faults can cause serious fire incidents.
4. One major fire outbreak that have been single out from repeated/previous cause is, switching on electrical appliances near gas. Turning on switches, phones, or generators near leaking gas can trigger sparks that cause fire.
Safety Tips for Using LPG Cooking Gas During Harmattan
Check your gas equipment regularly. Make it a habit to:
> Inspect gas hoses for cracks
> Replace hoses every 1–2 years
> Make sure the regulator fits tightly
> Always Ventilate Your Kitchen
Even when it is cold:
> Open at least one window
> Make sure fresh air can enter the kitchen
> Never cook in a fully closed space
What to Do If You Smell Gas
If you notice gas smell:
1. Do not light a match or stove
2. Do not switch on or off any electrical device
3. Open doors and windows immediately
4. Turn off the gas cylinder
5. Leave the area if the smell is strong
How To Store Gas Cylinders Properly
1. Keep cylinders upright
2. Place them in a cool, well-ventilated area
3. Keep them away from direct heat or fire
Many fire outbreaks during harmattan can be prevented with simple awareness and discipline. Unfortunately, people often learn only after losses have occurred - burnt homes, destroyed kitchens, injuries, or even loss of lives.
Tags
LPG Fire Safety