A family-of-three living near Bradford on Avon had a lucky escape yesterday when their lives were saved by a carbon monoxide alarm.
Wiltshire Fire and Rescue is using the incident in South Wraxall to highlight the importance of the monitors and to urge people to get them installed.
Firefighters were called to the house after the people living there heard their carbon monoxide alarm sounding.
They used an Altair monitor to establish that there was a high reading of carbon monoxide, which was traced to a woodburning stove.
Watch manager Neil Chamberlain, from the community safety department, said the family had been very lucky.
He said: "Carbon monoxide is colourless, odourless and tasteless, but it is also extremely dangerous.
"Without a CO detector, you have no way of knowing that you're being poisoned until the damage is already being done. Carbon monoxide kills some 15 people every year, so it is vital that every possible care is taken.
"It is essential to have appliances such as woodburning stoves installed by qualified engineers, who should also service them regularly and check them for safety."
He added: "CO detectors can be bought in most supermarkets and DIY stores. They're not expensive and they save lives. This family had experienced some early symptoms but were fortunate that the alarm was raised before they came to any serious harm."
Carbon monoxide is produced by the incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels, including gas, oil, wood and coal.
Most cases of CO poisoning are caused by gas appliances and flues that have not been properly installed or maintained, or are poorly ventilated.
The warning signs are:• Yellow or orange rather than blue flames (except in fuel effect fires or flueless appliances)• Soot or yellow/brown staining around or on appliances• Pilot lights that frequently blow out• Increased condensation inside windows
Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be confused with food poisoning, viral infections, flu or simple tiredness; however, warning signs include:• Headaches or dizziness• Breathlessness• Nausea• Loss of consciousness• Tiredness• Pains in the chest or stomach• Erratic behaviour• Visual problems
If you or your family experience any of the above symptoms and believe you may have been exposed to carbon monoxide, you should seek urgent medical advice from either your GP or an A&E department.
For advice on carbon monoxide and making your home safer, visit www.carbonmonoxidesafety.org.uk.
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