Carbon Monoxide Alarm alerts residents to gas leak
Firefighters were called to a house in Colchester after a carbon monoxide alarm alerted occupants to a gas leak.
When fire crews arrived, they reported there was elevated levels of carbon monoxide in the property. Crews ventilated the property and isolated the gas supply.
The two occupants were looked after by the Ambulance Service and were taken to hospital as a precaution.
Station Manager Terry Maher said:
"Incidents like this show how important it is to have a working carbon monoxide alarm in your home if you have any fuel-burning appliance. If it wasn't for the carbon monoxide, the residents would not have known about the potentially dangerous gas leak. Carbon monoxide doesn't have any colour, taste or smell - the only way to protect yourself is to have a working carbon monoxide alarm".
Carbon Monoxide
What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that is produced when fossil fuels burn inefficiently. The most common sources are faulty boilers, gas fires and cookers. Known as the silent killer, due to its lack of colour, taste and smell, carbon monoxide is invisible to the human senses, which is why CO alarms are so important. Each year in the UK alone, over 200 people are hospitalised with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning, which leads to around 60 deaths.
Carbon Monoxide alarms
All properties with fuel-burning appliances should have a CO alarm. Whether it’s a gas boiler, a coal fire or a flue running through the room, a CO alarm should be present in each area where a potential CO source may occur. Carbon monoxide alarms can be bought from a number of retailers including your local supermarket and DIY store.
