Bahrain, Feb 1 (GDN) : HOUSEHOLDERS could be putting their lives at risk by storing gas cylinders in unsafe locations.

The General Directorate of Civil Defence yesterday issued the warning after two gas leaks sparked fires in the space of two days.

In the first incident, Pakistani Mahru Nisa Anwar Abdulrahman, 20, suffered severe burns after a gas leak in her Hoora house on Saturday.

She remains in a critical condition at the Salmaniya Medical Complex.

Firemen also had to evacuate residents in a three-storey Manama building on Sunday. No one was injured.

Authorities confirmed the cause of both fires was gas leak.

"People are urged to take all safety precautions, check their gas cylinder pipes and install fire extinguishers," said a Civil Defence spokesman.

He unveiled plans to print brochures containing guidelines to educate the public on the precautionary measures that can be taken to prevent gas leaks.

People are urged to place gas cylinders in a vertical position and not store them inside the kitchen, but outside in a ventilated area.

"In case of gas fire, cool the cylinder by spraying it with water. The cylinder must not be removed before it becomes cool," state the guidelines.

People are also warned not to light matches, use lighters or switch on lights if they smell a gas odour.

"Cylinders should be placed away from heat including sunlight which may blow up the cylinder," says the advisory.

People are urged to call 999 and evacuate the building in case of a gas leak.

"Gas cylinders should not be rolled along the ground. Individuals should change gas feeding pipe if it is worn out or cracked and replace it with a new one," say the guidelines.

It also advises citizens not to store spare gas cylinders inside their homes, storerooms or garages.

Leaks can be exposed by running a soapy sponge over a gas cylinder and checking for bubbles, which would indicate escaping gas.