Tuesday, 25 February 2020
Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service is urging people when cleaning up after a flood, to ensure good ventilation if using portable petrol pumps to dry out rooms.
The exhaust fumes from such generators can contain carbon monoxide which can kill in a confined space such as a home. The generator should always be kept and operated outdoors.
The highly poisonous fumes are produced by the incomplete burning of fossil fuels in appliances such petrol driven water pumps.
Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches or dizziness, can mimic many common ailments, and may easily be confused with food poisoning, viral infections, flu or simply tiredness.
Many people are unaware of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s a tasteless and odourless gas that can kill in minutes. It's vital to know the symptoms of poisoning – if you don't have an alarm, it may be your only warning.
These symptoms also apply to your pets – so keep an eye on them too. It's really important to spend a few pounds on a carbon monoxide alarm. Poisoning symptoms can easily be confused with just feeling unwell, which is why CO poisoning is so dangerous, and so often missed.
Detectors can be purchased from most hardware shops and if you suspect that someone is suffering from the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning and/or is unconscious within their home, dial 999 from outside the property and ask for the Ambulance Services.
