"Take a CO alarm on holiday . It could save your life"
Lynn Griffiths
The charity Carbon Monoxide Awareness is urging holidaymakers to pack an audible carbon monoxide alarm before heading off on their summer break. It could save their lives.
Carbon Monoxide Awareness President Lynn Griffiths said: “There have been a number of tragedies and numerous near-misses in this country and abroad in recent years. No one should take it for granted that their hotel room, holiday home, caravan or canal boat is safe.
“Audible CO alarms don’t cost much and could be the best investment any holiday maker ever makes. They can be bought from any hardware store or supermarket and they’re small enough to fit easily into a suitcase.”
Carbon monoxide poisoning causes in the region of 50 deaths in England and Wales every year and there are numerous near misses, many of which go unreported.
“Carbon monoxide produced by faulty, poorly maintained or poorly ventilated fossil fuel appliances can quickly build up to levels that can kill in confined spaces such as hotel rooms, caravans, boats and holiday homes,” Lynn Griffiths said.
“Even at lower levels, carbon monoxide causes symptoms that are similar to flu or food poisoning, including headaches, tiredness, nausea and difficulty in thinking clearly.
“Without an audible CO alarm it is unlikely that holiday-makers will even know that they are being poisoned by this deadly gas. Carbon monoxide is colourless and has no taste or smell so there are few warning signs when it’s around.”
Carbon Monoxide Awareness Ltd. Registered Charity No. 1125755
