Rescue 1122 in Rawalpindi has issued an urgent winter safety alert as the city witnesses a sharp increase in gas leakage and fire-related incidents. The emergency service has called for extreme public vigilance to prevent avoidable tragedies during the cold season.
Rising Accidents Due to Public Negligence
Muhammad Usman Gujar, the official spokesman for Rescue 1122, expressed serious concern on Wednesday about the growing number of accidents caused by public carelessness. In his official statement, he highlighted that faulty gas appliances and unattended heaters are primary contributors to these dangerous situations.
"Most critical incidents occur during nighttime hours when residents accidentally leave gas heaters or stoves running," Gujar explained. This dangerous practice allows highly flammable gas to build up in enclosed spaces, creating perfect conditions for explosions or devastating fires.
Essential Safety Measures for Every Household
The rescue spokesman emphasized several critical precautions that could save lives. "Citizens must verify that all gas appliances are completely turned off before sleeping and confirm there are no leaks," he stressed.
Gujar provided crucial emergency instructions for when residents detect gas smells inside their homes:
- Avoid switching any electrical appliances on or off
- Do not light matches or create any sparks
- Immediately open all doors and windows for ventilation
- Quickly move all family members to safety
Hidden Dangers of Winter Heating
The rescue official identified several common but dangerous practices that put households at risk. Using gas heaters in tightly sealed rooms creates a double threat - not only fire danger but also carbon monoxide accumulation that can prove fatal.
"Poor ventilation allows this silent killer to build up, posing life-threatening risks to entire families," Gujar warned. He also noted that incorrect geyser usage and inadequate bathroom ventilation have caused multiple fatalities.
Regular inspection of gas pipes, regulators, and heating equipment is essential, according to the rescue service. Households should contact relevant departments immediately if they detect any faults. "Aged or damaged pipes represent hidden hazards that can trigger serious accidents at any moment," the spokesman cautioned.
Gujar also criticized the continued use of substandard equipment, pressure boosters, and illegal compressors that endanger both users and their neighbors. Additionally, he identified placing clothing or blankets too close to heaters as a leading cause of winter fire incidents.
Emergency Response and Public Cooperation
Rescue 1122 emphasized that during any emergency - particularly gas leaks, explosions, or fires - citizens should immediately call the emergency helpline at 1122. Prompt reporting enables faster response times from rescue teams who remain operational 24/7.
However, the spokesman noted that while rescue services are always prepared, public cooperation remains essential in preventing tragedies. "If every citizen makes basic safety precautions part of their daily routine, most winter-related accidents can be completely avoided," Gujar concluded.
