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RAWALPINDI, Nov 19 (APP):Rescue 1122 Rawalpindi has warned citizens to exercise extreme caution as gas leakage and fire-related incidents rise sharply with the onset of winter.
Rescue 1122 spokesman Muhammad Usman Gujar, in a statement on Wednesday, expressed concern over the increasing number of accidents caused by public negligence, faulty gas appliances and unattended heaters, which, he said, could largely be prevented through timely precautions.
He noted that most cases occurred at night when residents inadvertently left gas heaters or stoves switched on, allowing gas to accumulate in closed spaces and triggering explosions or fires. “The citizens must ensure that all gas appliances are turned off before going to bed and confirm there is no leakage,” he stressed.
Gujar advised that in the event of a gas smell inside a house, residents should avoid switching any electrical appliance on or off and refrain from lighting a match, as even a minor spark could lead to a major blast. Instead, he said, they should immediately open doors and windows to ventilate the area and move everyone to safety.
He stated that the use of gas heaters in tightly closed rooms was highly dangerous in winter, as poor ventilation allowed carbon monoxide to accumulate, posing a potentially fatal risk. He added that incorrect use of geysers and inadequate airflow in bathrooms had also claimed several lives.
The spokesman urged households to regularly inspect gas pipes, regulators and heaters, and to contact the relevant department if any fault was detected.
“Old or damaged pipes are hidden hazards that can lead to serious accidents at any time,” he said.
He added that some individuals continued to use substandard equipment, pressure boosters and illegal compressors, endangering themselves and others. Placing clothes or blankets too close to heaters, he said, also “remains a leading cause of winter fire incidents”.
Rescue 1122 emphasised that in any emergency — particularly gas leakage, explosion, or fire — the citizens should immediately call helpline 1122, as timely information enabled a faster response.
The spokesman said the Rescue teams remained operational round the clock, but public cooperation was essential in preventing avoidable tragedies.
“If every citizen makes basic caution a routine practice, most winter-related accidents can be entirely avoided,” Gujar added.