Asif Iqbal Naik
Kishtwar, November 13, 2025 – The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) of Kishtwar, chaired by the District Magistrate, Pankaj Kumar Sharma, JKAS, has released a comprehensive advisory for the general public in preparation for the approaching winter season. The advisory is intended to prevent “untoward incidents arising out of fire mishaps, extreme cold and poor visibility conditions”.
Advisory for General Public for Winter Season
The order (No. DMK/2025-26/3541-48) was dated November 13, 2025, and has been directed to multiple officials, including the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, and all Sub-Divisional Magistrates and Tehsildars, with directions to give it “wide publicity” through Lumberdars and Chowkidars.
Key Safety Directives
The advisory categorizes precautions into three main areas: Fire Safety, Health & Cold Weather Safety, and Traffic & Visibility Precautions.
Fire Safety Measures
* The public is strongly advised to switch off and unplug all electrical heating appliances, stoves, bukharis, and LPG gas stoves before leaving home or going to bed, cautioning that “A moment’s negligence can turn comfort into catastrophe”.
* The use of Kangris must be handled with “utmost care,” keeping them away from bedding and synthetic clothing, and people must “Never sleep while holding a lit Kangri”.
* The storage of combustible materials like firewood and dry grass inside residential premises is to be avoided, and they should instead be kept in “dry and isolated places away from dwellings”.
* Strict adherence to electrical standards is required, including refraining from using faulty gadgets or damaged extension cords. The advisory emphasizes using certified Miniature Circuit Breakers (MCBs) and Earth Leakage Circuit Breakers (ELCBs) of the correct rating to prevent electrical fires.
* For LPG use, regular checks for leaks and ensuring proper ventilation while operating LPG heaters are mandatory.
Health & Cold Weather Safety
* To combat frostbite and hypothermia, citizens should “Dress in multiple layers of warm clothing, cover hands, ears and feet adequately”.
* A major warning was issued regarding carbon monoxide poisoning, advising people to “Avoid the use of unventilated bukharis or gas heaters inside closed rooms”.
* Citizens are urged to “Regularly check on elderly neighbors and individuals living alone during harsh weather spells”.
Traffic & Visibility Precautions
* Drivers must use fog lights and low beams, and “Maintain safe distance between vehicles” during foggy conditions.
* Unnecessary travel should be avoided during heavy snowfall or slippery road conditions.
* Vehicles must be prepared with good tires and essential items like a torch, blanket, and first-aid kit.
Emergency Contacts
The DDMA has circulated the following emergency contact numbers:
* District Control Room: 9484217492/01995-259555
* Police Control Room: 9906154100
* Fire & Emergency Services Toll Free No.: 101
