Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Jan 6: With the suffocation, apparently caused by the accumulation of toxic gases, leading to the death of five family members in Pandrethan area of Srinagar, experts today urged the adoption of safe heating practices during winters.
President of the Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK), Dr. M.Y. Tak, emphasized that while it is essential to keep living spaces warm during extremely cold winters, safety must remain the top priority.
“We urge everyone to adopt heating methods responsibly and ensure vigilant safety measures to avoid incidents related to suffocation and electrical short-circuits,” he said.
Doctors noted that many families use various heating arrangements, such as gas heaters, kerosene heaters, electric blankets, and blowers, without fully understanding their risks.
“The lack of awareness or a callous approach can lead to disasters. Hotel owners must also educate tourists about the dangers of unsafe heating appliances, especially gas heaters and electric blankets, which are commonly used,” said Dr. Masood Rashid.
Dr. Arshed Trag, vice president of DAK, recommended several safety measures, including avoiding the use of gas or kerosene heaters in closed rooms without an exhaust system, as this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
“Always turn off gas heaters, oil-based heaters, and electric blankets before going to bed. Have heating equipment, such as furnaces, inspected annually by professionals to ensure they function safely,” he advised.
The Head of the Department of Community Medicine at GMC Srinagar, Dr. Salim Khan, stressed the importance of ensuring necessary air circulation in rooms where heating appliances are used.
“If we sit in a room for 3-4 hours, proper ventilation is crucial to prevent the accumulation of harmful gases. Even if we have to bear some cold, ensuring air circulation is vital,” he explained.
DAK further stressed avoiding the overloading of electrical circuits, stating, “People should refrain from plugging multiple heating devices into a single socket to prevent electrical short-circuits. Equip homes with carbon monoxide detectors, especially when using gas-based heaters.”
Dr. Owais H. Dar highlighted the importance of maintaining a safe room temperature.
“Keeping indoor temperatures at 19°C or above is crucial for health, especially for children and the elderly. However, the safety of heating methods must not be compromised. Proper precautions can save lives and prevent tragic incidents during winter,” he said.
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