Heledd Fychan Canol De Cymru - South Wales Central

Many people across South Wales Central are at risk of the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) and Heledd Fychan MS is urging them to take action to understand the simple steps that they can take to protect themselves, and their loved ones, this winter.

Carbon monoxide is known as the ‘silent killer’ because you can’t see it, smell it or taste it, and it kills approximately 40 people every year in Wales and England and hospitalises many more. The symptoms of CO poisoning include headaches, tiredness, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, shortness of breath and, in extreme cases, loss of consciousness.Its symptoms can be mistaken for food poisoning and the flu, due to their similarities.

As part of the drive to increase awareness of CO, and its dangers, MS NAME signed up to Wales & West Utilities pledge to help ‘keep our communities safe from carbon monoxide’ at the recent Senedd Y Farchnad event.

Heledd Fychan MS said:

“I am proud to join Wales & West Utilities’ drive to spread vital gas safety messages to the people of South Wales Central

“It’s important to understand CO and the signs to look out for, whilst also following some simple steps to safeguard from its dangers.

“I know how busy this time of year is but I’m urging everyone to take a little time to check they have an audible carbon monoxide alarm and know the simple actions they can take, whilst also reminding family and friends to do the same, so everyone can stay gas safe this winter.”

As the gas emergency and pipeline service for Wales and south west of England, Wales & West Utilities is urging people to stay safe by taking simple actions including:

• Get an audible carbon monoxide alarm in every room with a gas appliance and test it regularly.
• Have all your gas appliances regularly serviced and safety checked every year by a Gas Safe register engineer. If you rent your home, ask for a copy of the landlord’s current Gas Safety Record.
• Know the signs of carbon monoxide: Look out for your gas appliances burning a floppy yellow or orange, not crisp and blue; pilot lights on boilers frequently blowing out; extra condensation inside your window; soot or yellow stains around appliances.
• Know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: similar to the flu or food poisoning without a high temperature.
• If your alarm sounds, or you suspect carbon monoxide, take action: move outside into fresh air, leaving doors and windows open as you go. Then call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. In a medical emergency, don't delay, call 999 immediately.

Further information on carbon monoxide can be found www.wwutilities.co.uk/services/safe-warm/carbon-monoxide/.

Wales & West Utilities, the gas emergency and pipeline service, brings energy to 7.5m people across the south west of England and Wales. If you smell gas, or suspect the presence of carbon monoxide, call them on 0800 111 999 straight away, and their engineers will be there to help any time of day or night.