Gas Safety Week 2024 – vital advice to keep your family safe at home

Ahead of Gas Safety Week, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service has issued an important safety reminder for residents.

Carbon monoxide is known as the ‘silent killer’ because it can’t be seen, smelt or tasted. Therefore, it’s vital that people are made aware of the dangers associated with carbon monoxide, so measures can be put in place to prevent incidents from occurring.

If you have a gas boiler, gas appliance, an open fire or log burner in your home, the Service is urging you to make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector.

You can buy a carbon monoxide detector from most DIY stores and major supermarkets. 

Claire Monk, Live Safe Manager for the Service said:

“As part of our ongoing partnership with Cadent, in the last 12 months we have installed over 1,000 free Carbon Monoxide alarms to Essex residents, alongside safety advice which we include in every home safety visit.

“Carbon Monoxide poisoning is potentially fatal and even inhaling low levels of the gas can cause lasting damage to your health. That’s why it’s important that we support and raise awareness during gas safety week to educate our communities on how to maintain their gas appliances in their homes and understand the signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning if a gas appliance becomes faulty at any time.

"We offer free Carbon Monoxide alarms to vulnerable residents in Essex. If you are a vulnerable resident or know someone who is, please get in touch by booking a Home Safety Visit."

To keep you and your family safe, follow these top tips:

• Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, such as headaches, nausea, breathlessness, collapse, dizziness and loss of consciousness.
• If you smell gas or think there might be a gas leak, call the free 24-hour national gas emergency number immediately on 0800 111 999.
• Never attempt to work on a gas appliance yourself, always seek the help of a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer who can work on your gas cooker, boiler or fire in a safe way.

For more information about gas safety and Carbon Monoxide poisoning visit: https://cadentgas.com/smell-gas 

Book a Home Safety Visit here: https://www.essex-fire.gov.uk/book-home-safety-visit