YEOVIL NEWS: Alarms for homes to beat the silent killer

ALARMS which will help detect the silent killer - known as carbon monoxide - are to be distributed among homes in Yeovil.

Members of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service have been working in partnership with Yeovil Children’s Centre cluster.

The centres provide a range of services for parents to be, parents and carers and their children aged up to five encouraging a fun, learning and supportive environment for families with youngsters.

The Fire Service has been involved in educating the children’s centre on the risks of carbon monoxide called the silent killer. It is a highly poisonous gas that has no colour, taste or smell and can be produced by appliances that use gas, wood, oil or coal. Carbon monoxide can also be present in smoke from solid fuel or oil appliances.

Carbon monoxide is potentially fatal and even low-levels of the poison can cause lasting damage to your health.

Wales & West Utilities, the gas distribution network who ensure the safe and reliable supply of gas throughout the region, has generously donated 300 carbon monoxide alarms to the children’s centre. To find out more about Wales & West Utilities and their carbon monoxide awareness campaign you can visit their website www.WWUtilities.co.uk .

PHOTO – TOP: Pictured (from left) are Mike Toop of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service; Yeovil Children’s Centre cluster manager Jackie Ridout; Yeovil Children’s Centre’s Emma Chubb; and Glenn Thorne, first line manager for Wales and West Utilities in Somerset.

Mike Toop, from Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: “Oaklands children’s centres are regularly visiting the homes of young families and they are happy to distribute the alarms on our behalf. With their help we are able to reach and educate a target group that is important to us.”

Children’s centre cluster manager, Jackie Ridout, added: “I manage four children’s centres in Yeovil, working with and supporting families.

“Part of our role is to provide safety information; we are delighted to be able to give out free CO alarms as they will help to ensure that families are safe in their homes.”

Recognising the early symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning will save your life.

The symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning are similar to the ‘flu’. They 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.

Tags:
News.