DEVON and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service and Wales and West Utilities have been working together to raise awareness of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning to all local households.

Together they aim to highlight the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and reduce incidents, fatalities and ill health related to the poisonous gas.

Follow these five simple steps to keep you and your family safe from the deathly dangers of carbon monoxide.

The steps are:

• Get a CO alarm. Fit it correctly. Test it regularly.

• Get your gas appliances serviced regularly. Remember this should only by a Gas Safe Registered Engineer – it’s the law.

• Know the symptoms of CO poisoning: Headaches, dizziness, tiredness and confusion.

• Keep an eye on your gas appliances. Flames should be crisp and blue.

• Save the National Gas Emergency Service Number – 0800 111 999 – in your telephone. Call it immediately if you smell gas or suspect CO poisoning.

Marc House, Community Safety Prevention Manager for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Carbon Monoxide is potentially fatal and even low-levels of the poison can cause lasting damage to your health.

"It’s as vital to have a working Carbon Monoxide detector. The symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning are similar to having the ‘flu’. This can include nausea, dizziness, tiredness, headaches, stomach pains and chest pains.”

If you experience these symptoms but feel better when you are outside or away from the appliance, you could be suffering from Carbon Monoxide poisoning.

In the UK alone each year around 40 people die and more than 4,000 are injured as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Wales and West Utilities Head of Emergency Service, Clive Book says: “With temperatures falling and people switching on their central heating or gas fires now is the time for them to take action to protect themselves from the dangers of carbon monoxide.

“It’s known as ‘the silent killer’ because you can’t see, smell or taste it and it kills 40 people a year across the UK while injuring thousands more.

"Each year we make more than 2,000 visits to properties where we find evidence of carbon monoxide – and put simply, following these steps could save you and your family’s lives.”

If you do suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, this is what to do:

• Turn appliances off

• Open doors and windows

• Get everyone outside into fresh air immediately

• Call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999

• And if there is a medical emergency, don’t delay, ‘phone 999

More information on carbon monoxide poisoning can be found on Wales and West Utilities’ website: www.wwutilities.co.uk .

Alan Quick