Fire safety is something pretty much everyone knows about. We’re taught from a very young age not to play with matches, not to play with candles and how to call for help in an emergency. And television adverts constantly remind us to check the batteries in our smoke alarms so we know we will be given plenty of warning if a fire does break out. But not many people are quite as clued up when it comes to the dangers of gas. Carbon monoxide poisoning kills as many as 50 people each year in the UK and can cause a number of health problems. Flogas are currently raising awareness of these dangers in the hope of saving lives and preventing injuries. They asked me to share my gas safety tips with my readers, so here you go:
1. Use a carbon monoxide alarm
I’ve written before about the importance of using a carbon monoxide alarm. Carbon monoxide is an odourless gas and that’s why it’s so dangerous. In the event of a carbon monoxide leak, you might not be aware of the leak until it was too late. The smaller you are, the more at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning you are. I have a carbon monoxide alarm in my daughter’s bedroom, just in case.
2. Check your appliances
All gas appliances should be regularly checked by a certified gas technician to ensure they are meeting current standards. Sadly, gas appliances can become unsafe over time, so it’s important to remember to have these items looked at by a professional. If you move into a new house, it’s important to have the fitted appliances, fires and boilers checked so you can trust they are safe.
3. Act fast
If you smell gas or have reason to suspect there has been a leak, call for emergency help immediately. The emergency gas helpline number is 0800 111 999. If you think you may have been exposed to carbon monoxide, seek medical help immediately to rule out carbon monoxide poisoning. If your carbon monoxide alarm goes off, leave the property immediately and call the emergency gas helpline number listed above.
Do you have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted in your home?
