Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging residents in Shropshire to protect themselves against “the deadly threat” of carbon monoxide poisoning and ensure they have a CO alarm in the home as part of Gas Safety Week 2017 from Sept 18 to 25th
They want the public to be aware about the main symptoms of “the silent killer” often caused by a faulty boiler or cooker, blocked flue, chimney or vent.
The effects of carbon monoxide are headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness, collapsing and loss of consciousness, says Laura Kavanagh-Jones from the Prevention department at Shrewsbury fire HQ.
“Watch out for soot or yellow and brown staining on or around your appliance or pilot lights that blow out frequently.
“As carbon monoxide has no smell, colour or taste and can seep through walls, installing an audible alarm that sounds when the gas is present is the only way to make sure you are protected,” she says.
Staff from Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service will be at the B&Q store in Shrewsbury on Wednesday, September 20, to give advice and information to the public as part of a week long awareness campaign. A quiz will be held for the chance to win a carbon monoxide alarm.
Carbon monoxide is produced when fuels such as gas, oil, charcoal, coal and wood do not burn completely. It can be produced by any fuel-burning appliance – such as a boiler, cooker or fire – which is faulty or doesn’t have adequate ventilation.
“Carbon Monoxide is a deadly gas that you can’t see, smell or taste. Too many people are dying or suffering needlessly from carbon monoxide poisoning. That’s why I am urging every resident in Shropshire to make sure they and their loved ones are protected by installing an audible carbon monoxide alarm,” adds Laura.
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service recommends four simple steps to keep households safe:
Fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm. It should meet European standard EN50291 (you can find this on the alarm and/or packaging). Carbon Monoxide alarms are a similar size to smoke alarms and only take a few minutes to fit
Have fuel-burning appliances serviced annually by an appropriately qualified and registered engineer
Don't block ventilation and have chimneys swept at least once a year
Know the main symptoms: headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness, collapsing and loss of consciousness and watch out for soot or yellow/brown staining on or around your appliance or pilot lights that blow out frequently
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