Jordan | Public Security warns of the danger of the silent killer

Arab Weather - The Public Security Directorate warned against the incorrect use of heaters of all kinds in the winter, especially during cold weather.

She stressed the need to check heating devices before using them, and not to sleep with them on, or leave them on in the presence of children without supervision, or to commit any negligence that turns these heaters into a silent killer that causes damage and injuries quietly and without warning.

She explained that it is called the silent killer due to the emission of carbon monoxide gas from combustion processes in heaters, which has no color or smell, and combines with the blood's hemoglobin and hinders its ability to transport oxygen, causing the person exposed to this gas to suffocate without the victim noticing, so it is said that it kills without warning, and is called the silent killer.

Its most prominent symptoms are: nausea, rapid breathing, fatigue, dizziness and inability to move. This symptom is dangerous and may lead to death as a result of the person’s inability to save himself or those with him.

The Public Security Directorate stated that despite the warnings throughout the past years and this year, it is still receiving reports of accidents resulting from the misuse of heaters.

She added that these reports range from suffocation incidents due to inhaling toxic gases, or oxygen depletion, especially when sleeping and leaving heaters on, or leaving heaters on with all windows and doors closed, in addition to fire incidents that may occur as a result of children playing near heaters, or heaters falling, or petroleum spills, or gas leaks, or burning furniture and curtains when heaters are placed near them, and other wrong behaviors.

She stressed a number of guidelines, the most important of which are the necessity of renewing the air inside the house from time to time, not sleeping with the heater on, not bringing the heater into closed and narrow places such as the bathroom, and not allowing children to play near heaters or use heaters for cooking.

She also stressed the need to check the hoses connecting the cylinder to the gas heater and ensure that there are no cracks or bends that could lead to gas leakage and thus a fire breaking out inside the house.

She pointed out the necessity of not hesitating to call the emergency number 911 immediately when needed.

See also:

How to protect ourselves and our children from the incorrect use of home heating methods

The silent danger of incorrect use of heaters... and important recommendations to protect you