Bhatkal – A severe cold wave continues across Bhatkal, the state of Karnataka, and other parts of the country. During this period, the use of geysers in many households and heaters in some homes increases significantly. Experts warn that ignoring basic safety measures while using these appliances can lead to serious accidents such as geyser or heater explosions, short circuits, and electric shocks. Therefore, certain precautions must be strictly followed before operating them.

According to experts, proper wiring and earthing are crucial for both geysers and heaters. Loose wiring, faulty earthing, or damaged cables can increase the risk of short circuits or electric shocks, making immediate repair essential.

For geysers, issues such as scale buildup on the heating element, water leakage, or thermostat failure can cause accidents. Similarly, with heaters, overheating, tipping over, or placing them on unstable surfaces is dangerous. Experts recommend keeping heaters on a flat, stable, and non-flammable surface and ensuring that no plastic or cloth is near the heater during operation to avoid fire hazards.

Routine inspection and servicing by qualified technicians are highly recommended. If unusual sounds, smells, or smoke are noticed from either the geyser or heater, immediately switch off the appliance and seek professional servicing. Ignoring minor faults can lead to serious accidents.

Experts also emphasize the importance of regularly monitoring the temperature of the water in geysers and the heat output of heaters. Excessively hot water or high heater temperatures can be extremely hazardous, especially for children and the elderly.

Finally, it is essential to ensure that safety valves, thermostats, and overheat protection features of both geysers and heaters are functioning properly, as these mechanisms play a vital role in preventing accidents.