Following an incident in Milton Keynes today, Bucks Fire has shared information about carbon monoxide - also known as 'the silent killer'.
Crews were called to a suspected carbon monoxide leak in a flat in Fishermead this morning. Firefighters used one set of breathing apparatus and a gas monitor, isolated the gas and boiler, ventilated the flat and carried out a Fire and Wellness check.
As a result, Bucks Fire has reminded residents about the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning which hospitalises 200 people in the UK each year.
Carbon monoxide is a gas that cannot be seen, smelt or tasted. Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when a fuel-burning appliance such as a boiler, gas or open fire has not been properly installed, maintained or ventilated.
Bucks Fire offers Fire and Wellness Visits to detect a possible carbon monoxide leak, but if you are in immediate danger call the Gas Emergency Helpline on 0800 111 999.
The Fire and Wellness Visits are free for people deemed at greatest risk. These visits are carried out by operational fire crews or community safety staff who can, where appropriate, make a referral to a number of support services or agencies.
Fire and Wellness visits may be appropriate if there is anything that places your home at an increased risk of fire, there are no working smoke alarms, or you cannot react to a smoke alarm quickly, to name a few.
To find out more about carbon monoxide, please click here. Alternatively, if you wish to read more about Fire and Wellness Visits please click here.
Content Sourced from Bucks Fire
