Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) is launching a campaign aimed at raising awareness of carbon monoxide poisoning from Monday 20th November.
Laura Kavanagh-Jones from SFRS’s Prevention team said:
“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.”
Carbon monoxide is produced when fuels such as gas, oil, charcoal, coal and wood do not burn completely. The most common cause of this is when an appliance, such as a boiler or cooker, is installed incorrectly or poorly maintained. The deadly gas can also build up when flues, chimneys or vents are blocked.
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. The gas can be produced by any fuel-burning appliance – such as a boiler, cooker or fire – which is faulty or doesn’t have adequate ventilation.
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.
For further information please contact the Prevention department where you can request a free Safe and Well visit.
safeandwell@shropshirefire.gov.uk
