Month: July 2023

Homes connected to gas in Monaco must now be fitted with carbon monoxide detectors, by order of a new law which comes into force this weekend.

According to a statement released by the government on Friday 21^st July, the law will take effect on 22nd July 2023, by Ministerial order 2023-416, which lays down regulations relating to the general principles of safety against the risk of fire and panic in buildings.

This new law requires that detection devices be installed in homes that are connected to a gas service. The devices must be able to broadcast an audible alarm that can warn the occupants of an abnormal rise in the level of carbon monoxide. Often, the alarm is supplemented by an alert on either a smartphone or tablet. They are available for as little as €30 from services like Amazon.

“This measure aims to allow early detection of this toxic, odourless and colourless gas that can cause serious poisoning,” said the government.

In order to be effective, detectors must be placed in the same room as the source of gas, at a distance of one to three metres from the fuel-burning appliance. It can be fixed on the wall or on the ceiling.

In general, the manufacturer’s recommendations for installation and use should be followed and if in doubt, the services of a professional are recommended.

“Simple gestures contribute to reducing the risks, such as the daily ventilation of the accommodation, and good annual maintenance of boilers, heaters and equipment connected to the combustible gas distribution network,” said the government.

Signs of carbon monoxide poising include a feeling of faintness, muscle weakness, anxiety and impaired vision.

Anyone who suspects they may be exposed to carbon monoxide should ventilate and exit the home, and call 112 or 18.

For more information, visit the factsheet by clicking here.

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Photo source: Pixabay

Over the weekend, drivers and fans of the Fiat 500 turned out in their droves for the third edition of the Monaco International Meeting of Fiat 500s. 

The iconic Fiat 500 has been a staple of the automobile world since its release in 1957. Then called the Cinquecento, it was launched as an economical and reliable car for cash-strapped Italian consumers in the post-war era.  

The company stopped producing the Cinquecento in 1975, but demand for small yet stylish cars re-emerged in the early 2000s, leading the car maker to bring back the old favourite in a shiny new form, calling it simply the Fiat 500.  

GATHERING OF A TRIBE 

The Monaco International Meeting of Fiat 500s is a celebration of the long history of these tiny cars and of what a symbol they have become. Hundreds of enthusiasts from all over gathered on 16th July in Monaco’s Port Hercule to ooh and ahh over 500s as well as to share in their passion for the model.  

Owners were joined by collectors and car lovers of all types in a spirit of playful fun that united different cultures, nationalities and backgrounds under one banner. 

The event included activities ranging from an exhibition of cars to live shows, games, conferences and a talk by Fiat Lancia and Abarth Heritage’s CEO, Roberto Giolito.  

“We are delighted with the great success of the third Monaco International Meeting of Fiat 500,” said the event’s director, Massimo Peleson. “This event is not only a tribute to the much-loved car, but also a celebration of unity, art and shared passion. A big thank you to all the participants, the sponsors, but above all to all the fantastic volunteers whose selflessness and heart made this extraordinary day possible.” 

PRIZES AWARDED 

The meet-up ended with a prize-giving ceremony handed out by the Principality’s Minister of Social Affairs and Health, Christophe Robino.  

The award for the oldest model went to Francesco Musumeci with his 500 A Topolino from 1947, a pre-cursor to the Cinquecento, and was handed out by Jade Aureglia, Vice-President of the National Council of the Principality of Monaco.  

Conversely, the youngest owner and driver prize went to Laurie Lovine, and was given by Giulio Alaimo, Italy’s ambassador to the Principality.  

Finally, the car with the most miles on the clock went to Franco Guzzetta, with the prize given by Massimo Peleson, the president of the Club Fiat 500 Monte-Carlo. 

Click on the images below to see more of the event:

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Photo credits: Olivier Jude and Frédéric Nebinger

The threat of forest fires and the elevated temperatures of the Charon heatwave have led officials in the Var and Alpes-Maritimes to ban access to large swathes of the region’s forests. 

Of the nine principal forests and massifs in the Var, only three have remained outside of a blanket red zone: Saint Baume, Plateau de Canjuers and the Haut Var. In the remaining six zones, locals and visitors to the area are strictly prohibited from accessing the hinterland. The reason is the looming fear of forest fires given the extreme heat, afternoon winds and intensely dry soils in the department.  

All works that could potentially lead to a fire, even down to creating a tiny spark, are also off the table for the time being. In the three forementioned areas, which find themselves in an orange warning zone, “access is not recommended and work that could cause a fire is prohibited, except for agricultural, forestry or general interest work from 5am to 1pm with a fire extinguishing device”. 

The exceptions to the bans on access are the Calanque Port d’Alon, the Cascade de Sillans and the Base Nature de La Môle, which will remain open to the public. 

Over in the Alpes-Maritimes, the Esterel-Tanneron hills have been classed as a serious fire risk and have also been placed in a red zone. The rest of the Alpes-Maritimes remains green and fully accessible to those looking to get out for a walk beneath the shade of some trees.  

The daily access maps and information for the Var can be found here. For the Alpes-Maritimes equivalent, please click here. 

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Photo source: Karsten Winegeart, Unsplash