Call to test CO alarms as awareness week begins
Wales and West Utilities is calling on people to test their carbon monoxide alarms as CO awareness week runs from 17 to 23 November.
The gas distribution company says recent data shows hotspots for confirmed and suspected carbon monoxide incidents across Wales and the south west of England.
The areas with the highest numbers recorded are Swindon, Bristol, Wiltshire, Cardiff and Somerset. Swindon, Bristol, Wiltshire, Gwynedd and Monmouthshire have the highest incident rates per 1,000 residents.
The figures come from the Carbon Monoxide Research and Analytics platform, which is supported by Wales and West Utilities, Cadent, Northern Gas Networks and SGN.
The platform highlights the need for greater awareness as colder weather increases reliance on gas and solid fuel heating.
For Emma Jackson Phillips, 35 and living near Bridgend, the dangers are personal.
Her father, Fred, died at 52 after being overcome by carbon monoxide while working away from home in Cornwall.
“Dad was extremely healthy – a vibrant man with a lot of get-up-and-go.
“He thought he just had a flu-type bug. When he didn’t turn up for breakfast, a colleague called his room and he said he wasn’t feeling good but would take a shower and come down soon. Sadly, he never made it.”
The family later learned he had been exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide.
“My dad’s death, like too many others, was entirely preventable.
“Had an audible CO alarm been present in his room, it would have alerted him to act – and he’d still be with us today.”
Emma, now a mother of two, says the loss has only grown harder.
“I want CO alarms to have the same prominence as smoke alarms. A CO alarm costs around £15 – a small price to pay to save a life. Whether at home, in a hotel, or in a caravan, please make sure you have one. I don’t want anyone to go through what we have.”
Rob Long, Chief Operating Officer at Wales and West Utilities, said: “Carbon monoxide is invisible, silent, and deadly – but entirely preventable. We’re urging every household to press the test button today on their CO alarm, and if you don’t have one, buy one immediately – it could save your life.
“Carbon monoxide kills approximately 40 people every year in England and Wales and hospitalises many more.
“We want people across the UK to understand its grave dangers and make sure they take every step they can to protect themselves and their loved ones from its dangers.
“This CO awareness week acts as a timely reminder to take action so everyone can stay gas safe this winter.”
Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms can resemble food poisoning or flu, including headaches, tiredness, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness and shortness of breath. The main sources are fuel burning appliances such as boilers, cookers and log burners, especially if faulty, poorly installed or used without proper ventilation.
Guidance issued for awareness week includes fitting an audible carbon monoxide alarm in every room with a gas appliance, having appliances serviced by a Gas Safe engineer, knowing the signs of faulty appliances and recognising symptoms of poisoning. If an alarm sounds or carbon monoxide is suspected, people are advised to move into fresh air, leave windows and doors open and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. In an emergency, call 999 immediately.
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