What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that is produced when gas, oil, solid fuels and liquid petroleum gas do not burn fully. It can occur when an appliance has been incorrectly fitted, badly repaired or poorly maintained.

It’s is a gas that you cannot see, smell or taste, but it can be very dangerous if it builds up in your home.

Warning Signs to Look Out For

You should check your gas appliances regularly for these warning signs:

• Lazy yellow or orange flames instead of crisp blue flames on a gas appliance

• Dark staining around or on appliances

• Pilot lights frequently blowing out

• Increased condensation on windows

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

If you are exposed to carbon monoxide, you may experience:

• Headaches

• Dizziness

• Nausea

• Breathlessness

• Collapse

• Loss of consciousness

What to Do if You Suspect Poisoning

If you think you or someone else has carbon monoxide poisoning:

1. Call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999

2. Turn off appliances, open doors and windows and leave the property

3. See your doctor immediately or go to hospital

Staying Safe at Home

To protect yourself and your family from carbon monoxide:

• Install an audible carbon monoxide alarm

• Get your appliances serviced by a qualified engineer once a year

Staying Safe Out and About

When camping or on boats:

• Campfires and barbeques can still kill even when the flames have gone out. Smouldering coals are still dangerous. Never bring a barbeque or camping stove inside an enclosed space such as a tent.

• If you are heading on a camping trip or on a boating trip, pack a carbon monoxide alarm.

• Get any gasoline powered engines on large boats serviced regularly.

The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free service that provides extra support for people who need help with their gas, electricity, or water services. It’s designed for those with health issues, disabilities, or young children, ensuring utility companies can offer tailored help when needed.

What do I get?

• Priority help during gas emergencies

• Back-up heating and support

• Safer visits with password system

• Info in formats you need

• Free, safe, and confidential

Who is eligible? You can sign up to the PSR today if any of the following apply to anyone in your household:

Medically Dependent

• Nebuliser and apnoea monitor

• Heart, lung or ventilator support

• Dialysis, feeding pump, or automated medication

• Oxygen concentrator

• Stair hoist or electric bed

• Medically dependent showering/bathing

• Careline / Telecare system (e.g. emergency button)

• Need for medicine refrigeration

Mental Health Care

• Chronic or serious illness (e.g. cancer, MS)

• Dementia or cognitive impairment

• Mental health condition (e.g. anxiety, depression)

Safety

• Use of oxygen

• Poor sense of smell or taste

• Safer with additional presence (e.g. not left alone)

• Water-dependent (needs water for health or care)

Poor Mobility

• Physical impairment

• Unable to answer the door

• Restricted hand movement

Age-Related

• Pensionable age

• Children under five in the home (Date of birth of child: ____________)

• Developmental condition (e.g. autism, learning delay)

Alternative Communication Needs

• Blind

• Partially sighted

• Unable to communicate in English

• Hearing impairment (including deaf)

• Speech impairment

Temporary Support

• Temporary life changes (e.g. bereavement, new baby)

• Post-hospital recovery (temporary)

• Young adult householder under 18 (temporary)