Call Us
Have you checked your carbon monoxide alarm recently?
Posted on Sep 04, 2021
Known as ‘the silent killer’, accidental carbon monoxide poisoning causes around 60 deaths in the UK every year throughout England and Wales. One in 10 adults in Britain has experienced some degree of carbon monoxide poisoning in their homes. When it is breathed in, it renders your body unable to carry oxygen, causing vital functions to slowly fail.
How it happens
A carbon monoxide leak can be caused by a variety of factors, with some more common than others. It’s often caused by a fault in gas-operated systems or appliances, such as ovens, gas fires, boilers and portable generators.
Identifying carbon monoxide leaks
Carbon monoxide has no smell, no colour and no taste which make it incredibly difficult to detect. There is no way that you will be able to tell you are inhaling it, aside from any physical symptoms you experience.
The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
It can be difficult to tell if you’re being affected by excessive carbon monoxide as the symptoms aren’t distinguishable from many other illnesses. Those affected often suffer from headaches, tiredness, nausea, stomach pains and shortness of breath, similar to those attributed to flu-like symptoms, without the burning temperature. If there’s an abundance of carbon monoxide in the air, you are likely to lose consciousness within 2 hours.
Carbon monoxide alarms
It is a legal requirement for landlords to have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted in every one of their properties and it’s strongly recommended for all homeowners. You should test your carbon monoxide alarm on a monthly basis to ensure it’s working as required. It’s recommended that if the batteries aren’t sealed into the alarm, these should be replaced annually. Test your alarm by pressing the ‘test’ button, which should then emit a series of beeps.
Your next steps
Upon having identified carbon monoxide in your home, your next steps should be to turn all appliances off, open your doors and windows, leave the house and seek medical attention for all those in the property. You can also seek further guidance from the National Gas Emergency Helpline on 0800 111 999.
Recent News
Search News
Categories
What Our Customers Say
Mal Elwood
"Very efficient, always friendly and helpful. I have used Watkin Davies for years, and they have always been competitive. I received great support recently when I had to make a claim, so I'd highly recommend them."
A Ali
"I was very impressed with the quality of the service - it was outstanding. The advisor, Ms Spear went above and beyond to give me the best driving insurance policy. The policy I have received is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you so much Ms Spear!"
Adam Kearns
"I've used Instructorcover Plus for my driving instructor insurance for a number of years. Not only are prices competitive, even at renewal, but customer service is fantastic. Call operators are always cheerful and incredibly helpful. Everything is always sorted in a single call, saving valuable time. Highly recommend."
Macca Ginger
"Absolutely superb service from the team, particularly Natalie. Very easy and simple process"
steve rudgley
"As aways very efficient"
Barrie P
"I have used InstructorcoverPlus for my driving tuition insurance for a number of years. Their prices are always competitive and everyone I speak to is friendly and helpful."
Kathryn Parkes
"Ceri was very helpful and knowledgeable on the phone"
John Gabriel
"Karrie Brewer was so helpful today, especially as one insurance company would not quote, so had to shop around for us, many thanks"
Sulman Khosty
"Kelly is amazing. Very helpful and friendly, did a great job today with helping me out to get insured. Amazing service!"
Andy Amadi
"Great service. Got my first driving instructor insurance with this firm. Price was competitive and customer service provided by Jane was great. I will definitely recommend the service."
Lynne Turner
"Team were very helpful when it came time to renew my policy, taking the time to check and make any amendments needed. Would highly recommend."
Nikki Mellin
"5 stars!"
Pam Durbin
"Excellent service from Watkin Davies as per usual. I love the way they do all the hard work researching best quotes and provide you with your options. All the staff are very friendly and professional, I have to highlight Ceri who always does a fantastic job for me and my family."
Steve P
"Really helpful and efficient customer service, friendly and knowledgeable too. I would highly recommend InstructorcoverPlus."
Ricki Dango
"I m a returning customer and what a wonderful experience. Emma is new to her role but she was very helpful and polite throughout. She got the quote done very quickly and managed to beat all my other quotations. I therefore didn't have to waste any more time. Further she offered me three instalments at 0% which is helpful in this current economic climate. The paperwork was sent straight away. Highly recommended."
Gary Williams
"Once again, could not have been more helpful! Still a pleasure to speak to a 'real person' who knew what they were talking about!"