Browse by Category

News

Features

LPG Industry

Magazine

Be Alarmed! Campaign Launched

Almost two thirds of people in Great Britain could be at risk because they do not have an audible carbon monoxide alarm, according to research released by the Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed! campaign.

Former GMTV presenter/broadcaster Richard Arnold and actress/presenter Terri Dwyer both saw friends suffer from carbon monoxide poisoning. They joined Adele Forbes, who lost her young son and grandparents to carbon monoxide, in launching this year’s campaign.

Richard Arnold said: “I’m shocked at how few people realise the risks of carbon monoxide. My friend tragically fell unconscious in the bath after her boiler became faulty, which could have happened to any of us. Every single household should get an alarm installed – it’s the only way to be sure of detecting this silent killer.”

Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed! is the national campaign to reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by carbon monoxide. The campaign is run by Energy UK on behalf of Britain’s six major gas and electricity companies in partnership with the Dominic Rodgers Trust, and is supported by more than 40 other organisations. In addition to raising public awareness, the campaign is also lobbying for legislative changes to require alarms in new builds and rented properties.

Oliver Wright, Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed! campaign manager, said: “Our campaign can help to dispel the myths around carbon monoxide alarms. They are available at DIY stores, supermarkets, high street shops or directly from energy suppliers. Importantly, they save lives.

“Happily, the number of people with an audible carbon monoxide alarm has gone up by 16 per cent since last year thanks to tireless campaigning from many people who care about this issue. However, sadly, the majority of people aren’t taking this very simple step to protect themselves and their families.

“In addition to calling for every household to have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted, we are also campaigning for a change in the law to make it compulsory for landlords to offer a CO alarm to tenants in order to receive their gas certificate.”

www.co-bealarmed.co.uk

You must be logged in to post a comment.