Early morning on 5th December shocking news emerged from Bemina area of Srinagar where five family members including 2 children, 2 women and a male member died of suffocation.
As per the media reports, the family from Tanghdar area of Kupwara had come to Srinagar for medical treatment of a lady and had rented a room in Mansoor Colony Bemina, Srinagar.
During the intervening night of 4th and 5th January, all the five family members died of suffocation due to leakage of gas.
The Police said identities of the slain are being ascertained.
Every year when the cold hits the Kashmir valley, the cases of suffocation emerge. Scores of people die, mostly family members, due to lack of awareness or negligence.
Here are few safety tips to stay safe while using gas heaters:
An unsafe heater can cause a house fire or pollute your home with dangerous fumes including carbon monoxide. For the safety of your family, it is recommended to get your gas heater serviced before you use it again. This includes all central heating units, space heaters, wall units and gas log fires.
Some gas heaters have been identified as posing a serious health risk.
High levels of carbon monoxide in the air are very dangerous and may cause people to pass out or even die.
Children, pregnant women and their unborn babies, older people, and people with chronic illnesses such as heart and lung disease are at increased risk from air pollutants, including carbon monoxide.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
- tiredness
- shortness of breath
- headaches
- dizziness
- nausea
- weakness
- confusion
- chest pain
If you suspect any of the above symptoms, you may be affected by carbon monoxide. For remaining on the safer side, it is advised to open windows and doors, turn off the appliance and go outside to breathe fresh air. Visit a doctor and make sure you check your blood pressure level and ask whether your symptoms may be related to the high level of carbon monoxide in the body.
Consider safe alternative ways of keeping warm, as cold temperatures may cause their own health problems. If you know someone in this situation, consider checking on them and what you might be able to do to help.
Always:
- have plenty of ventilation – ventilation is very important as it allows fresh air to come in and fumes to go out
- avoid running exhaust fans (bathroom, kitchen) if you have an un-flued or open-flued gas heater, as this may cause carbon monoxide to leak back into the room; this possibility should be tested when you have your heater serviced
- clean your heater (when the heater is off and cool) to reduce dust build-up by vacuuming out any duct registers and cold air return vents (the register is the central heating duct opening in each room, which can be seen when the cover grill is lifted).
- Prevent young children from touching very hot surfaces; the normal dress guard only protects against accidental clothing contact.
- be careful when drying clothes inside – keep all flammable materials at least one meter away from the heater
Never:
- Leave a gas heater running when you go to bed
- Use an un-flued gas heater in a bathroom, bedroom or caravan. Toxic gases may cause serious health problems in these situations.
- Use or store solvents, aerosols or pressure pack cans near a gas heater – even if the heater is turned off, the pilot light may still be on.
- Dispose of rubbish such as tissues, cotton buds or other things in a gas fire – this can affect combustion and produce dangerous pollutants.
- Use an outdoor appliance inside (this includes barbeques and patio heaters).
Replace old gas heaters
Heaters do not last forever. Some heaters cannot be repaired for safety reasons and, sometimes, spare parts are not available for older heaters.
If your heater is very old, around 15 to 20 years, it may not be possible or worthwhile for your service person to repair it. Be advised by your licensed gasfitter.
Consider replacing open-flued gas heaters with room-sealed gas heaters or split systems at the next opportunity.
