Medical Professionals Urge Caution: The Importance of Safe Heating Devices

Srinagar: In response to the devastating loss of five family members due to asphyxiation in the Padrethan region here, medical professionals have urged the community to utilize safe heating solutions during the harsh winter season.

Authorities stated that the suffocation fatalities were purportedly linked to a heating appliance. However, they mentioned that an autopsy has been conducted, and the findings will clarify the actual cause of the deaths.

Conveying sorrow over the unfortunate event, Dr MY Tak, a specialist in intensive care, stressed the importance of following stringent safety protocols at home to avert deaths from suffocation or carbon monoxide exposure.

“While it is vital to maintain warmth in our homes during bitterly cold winters, safety should always be of utmost importance,” he remarked. “We encourage everyone to use heating methods responsibly and maintain diligent safety practices to prevent cases of suffocation and electrical hazards,” Dr Tak, who also serves as President of the Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK), noted.

Dr Masood Rashid, a senior anaesthetist, pointed out the importance of understanding the risks associated with various heating devices, including gas heaters, kerosene heaters, electric blankets, and blowers.

“Ignorance or negligence can result in severe consequences. Owners of hotels must also inform visitors about the risks connected to unsafe heating implements, particularly gas heaters and electric blankets, which are frequently used in the area,” he stated.

The Senior Medical Officer in the health department and Vice President of DAK, Dr Arshed Trag, encouraged citizens to utilize heating devices judiciously during winter. He proposed the following safety precautions:

1. Ensure Adequate Ventilation: Refrain from using gas or kerosene heaters in enclosed spaces without a proper exhaust system, as it can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
2. Turn Off Before Sleeping: Always switch off gas heaters, oil-based heaters, and electric blankets prior to retiring for the night.
3. Routine Maintenance: Have heating appliances, such as furnaces, checked annually by qualified technicians to guarantee their safe operation.
4. Avoid Circuit Overloading: Do not plug several heating devices into a single outlet to prevent electrical short circuits.
5. Install Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Equip residences with carbon monoxide detectors, especially when using gas-powered heaters.
6. Keep Flammable Materials Away: Maintain a safe distance between heating devices and combustible items like curtains, papers, and furniture.
7. Purchase Certified Equipment: Acquire heating gadgets that comply with safety regulations and have been accredited by reliable organizations.
8. Maintain Appropriate Room Temperature

Another senior medical professional, Dr Owais H Dar, indicated that maintaining a safe indoor temperature is crucial, but safety should not be neglected. “While it is important to keep indoor temperatures at 19 degrees Celsius or higher for a healthy atmosphere, particularly for children and the elderly, the safety of heating practices must remain uncompromised. Taking the necessary precautions can save lives and avert tragic occurrences during the winter,” he stressed.

He further called on local authorities and community leaders to initiate awareness campaigns that inform the public about the potential hazards of heating devices and to encourage the adoption of safer practices.

“The winter season presents challenges for everyone, but it should not endanger lives. Let us pledge to prioritize safety in our homes and create a warm yet secure environment for our loved ones,” concluded Dr Aijaz Ahmad, a senior medical officer.

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