Warning to test carbon monoxide alarms in South West Wales

South Wales Guardian

2 days ago

Wales & West Utilities has issued the reminder after new data revealed that 95 per cent of carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in homes were not tested in the past year.
The findings come from the Carbon Monoxide Research and Analysis (CORA) platform, which is backed by gas distribution networks including Wales & West Utilities.
The data, gathered from more than 50,000 digital (Internet of Things) alarms, highlights the daily risk faced by thousands of households.
Sophie Shorney, vulnerability and carbon monoxide allowance manager at Wales & West Utilities, said: "It is concerning to hear that most households are not testing their carbon monoxide alarms.
"We cannot stress enough the dangers households could be putting themselves into if they either do not own a carbon monoxide alarm, or are not testing to see if their alarm works.
"Carbon monoxide is a risk even in the summer, as households will still use their gas appliances to cook and power their home.
"If you're travelling this summer, take your carbon monoxide alarm with you and don't forget to test it regularly.
"A simple action of pressing a button for a couple of seconds could save your life."
Although carbon monoxide is often associated with winter, it remains a year-round threat due to the continued use of gas appliances such as cookers and boilers.
Summer activities can also pose risks.
Barbecues, pizza ovens, camping stoves, heaters, and gas lanterns can all produce carbon monoxide, especially if used in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces.
Carbon monoxide is known as the 'silent killer' because it cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted, making it almost impossible to detect without a working alarm.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and breathlessness, which can easily be mistaken for other illnesses such as food poisoning, a cold, or a hangover.
More severe symptoms include collapse and loss of consciousness.
With school holidays underway, Wales & West Utilities is urging families to test their alarms, particularly before travelling or camping.
The company also supplies free CO alarms to eligible households through its Vulnerability Carbon Monoxide Allowance (VCMA) funded programmes.
The VCMA, funded by Ofgem, supports projects that raise awareness of carbon monoxide and provide support to vulnerable households.
It funds initiatives that go beyond Wales & West Utilities' standard operations to improve safety and awareness in the community.
Further information and safety advice can be found on the Wales & West Utilities website.