23 October 2008
It is the responsibility of householders to protect themselves against the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, according to property expert Kirstie Allsopp. She said it is important to ensure that all gas appliances are regularly serviced by qualified professionals, something that may be included in heating cover policies. Installing carbon monoxide alarms can also allow families to stay safe, she added. "The alarm costs £15 which, in the great scheme of safeguarding your family, is a very small amount," she remarked. Nigel Dumbrell, chairman of the Carbon Monoxide Consumer Awareness Alliance (COCAA), said an "orange squashy flame" in gas appliances can be a sign that carbon monoxide is present. According to a survey carried out on behalf of the COCAA, only six per cent of people are "very confident" that they can spot the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. The poll also revealed that 20 million households do not have their appliances serviced regularly or do not have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted.