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RAWALPINDI, Dec 22 (APP): The Punjab Emergency Service Rescue 1122 Murree on Monday warned the public about the dangers of unsafe gas heater use amid a sharp drop in temperatures in Murree and other cold regions.
A Rescue 1122 spokesman said incorrect or careless use of gas heaters, particularly in enclosed rooms and vehicles, could pose serious life-threatening risks.
He said the citizens often run gas heaters continuously in closed rooms during cold weather, which could reduce oxygen levels and allow the accumulation of colourless and odourless carbon monoxide gas. “This silent gas can cause suffocation and has resulted in the loss of human lives on several occasions.”
The spokesman advised that adequate ventilation must be ensured when using gas heaters in rooms or vehicles. Windows or vents should be kept slightly open to allow fresh air circulation, and heaters should not be operated continuously for long periods but switched off intermittently.
He emphasised that gas heaters must never be used while sleeping, as the effects of toxic gas could not be detected in time and may prove fatal.
Tourists visiting Murree were also cautioned against using heaters in fully enclosed vehicles. Heaters should be used only with windows slightly open, and vehicles must never be left running with heaters inside while closed.
In the event of a gas leak, Rescue 1122 instructed the public to immediately turn off the gas supply, open all windows and doors, move to an open area, and avoid using matches, lighters, or electrical switches to prevent explosions.
The spokesman urged citizens to remain calm in emergencies and call the service immediately for prompt assistance. “Precaution is life,” he said, adding that protecting lives and property was the foremost priority of Rescue 1122, and the public had a responsibility to follow safety instructions to safeguard themselves and their families.