The Silent Killer: Why Carbon Monoxide Alarms Are Essential for Every Home

The Silent Killer: Why Carbon Monoxide Alarms Are Essential for Every Home

When it comes to home safety, fire alarms and burglar alarms are often top of mind, but there’s another danger that’s just as deadly and far more difficult to detect—carbon monoxide (CO). Known as the ‘silent killer,’ carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas that can cause serious illness or death when inhaled. At solv, we know firsthand the importance of CO safety, and we’re here to help keep you and your family safe.

 

A Stark Reminder: The Castlerock Tragedy

In 2010, Northern Ireland was rocked by the tragic deaths of two teenage friends in a holiday apartment in Castlerock. Carbon monoxide poisoning was to blame, highlighting the devastating consequences of this invisible threat. Following this tragedy, solv proudly supported the Gis A Hug Foundation, a charity set up in memory of the two young men to raise awareness about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and promote the use of CO alarms.

Real-Life Danger: A Recent Experience

Recently, our team at solv was called out to a property where the customer’s carbon monoxide alarm had been sounding. The household had started to experience symptoms of CO poisoning, including headaches and dizziness. Upon inspection, our engineers discovered that the boiler flue had been installed too close to a window, allowing dangerous fumes to enter the home. For the customer’s safety, we shut down the boiler immediately and declared it unsafe. We later revisited the property to reposition the flue to a safe distance, ensuring the home was protected from further risk.

How to Spot Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide can affect anyone, and the symptoms can often be mistaken for something else, such as the flu. Symptoms of CO poisoning include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness

If your CO alarm sounds or you suspect a gas leak, it’s crucial to act quickly:

1. Turn off the appliance that is burning fuel (e.g., oil, gas, wood, or coal) and ensure it is isolated and turned off properly.
2. Open windows to ventilate the property as much as possible.
3. Avoid using any electrical appliances, as this could create a spark and ignite gases.
4. Call the Gas Emergency Number on 0800 002 001, or contact solv directly at 02890 451010 for immediate support.

Prevention Is Key

The best defence against carbon monoxide poisoning is prevention. Here are some essential safety tips to follow:

• Install a carbon monoxide alarm in every room with a fuel-burning appliance.
• Test your alarms regularly and replace batteries when needed.
• Ensure appliances are serviced annually by a qualified Gas Safe or OFTEC engineer.
• Check that boiler flues are installed correctly and venting safely.

Stay Safe with solv

At solv, safety is our top priority. Our experienced engineers are fully trained to spot potential hazards and rectify them before they become a danger. Whether you need a boiler service, a safety check, or support with your carbon monoxide alarms, we’re here to help.

If you have any concerns about your heating system or CO safety, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Stay safe, and remember—a carbon monoxide alarm isn’t just a device; it could be a lifesaver.