Keep families safe from carbon monoxide

Nov. 15, 2011 - PRLog -- DEATHS in the UK from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning have trebled in the last 12 months, according to an alarming report by the Gas Safety Trust – but installers can play a key role in keeping families safe from the dangers.

Those dangers will be highlighted during National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week (November 21-25). The launch will be held at The House of Lords on November 21, where a CO phone app will be unveiled - events are also planned in Belfast, Liverpool, Yorkshire and Scotland.

The driving force behind the charity Carbon Monoxide Awareness is Lynn Griffiths, who along with her husband and four children, were victims of CO poisoning for more than 10 years.

Lynn’s husband died of lung cancer in 1999; she believes the poisoning may well have contributed to his death. The 12th anniversary of his death falls during awareness week.

Two of Lynn’s children were poisoned in the womb and the whole family still lives with the consequence of the deadly gas today. Lynn and her youngest son, now aged 15 and sitting his GCSEs, both struggle with their memory.

This deadly threat not only claimed 25 lives in the last year but, according to Department of Health figures, a further 4,000 people were treated in hospital for the effects of low level CO poisoning.

Poor installation is obviously a major factor and homeowners should only employ engineers on the Gas Safe Register.

But advising homeowners to get a CO alarm installed can also make a big difference.

Market leaders Honeywell supply Parts Center with a range of CO detectors, which start at just £23.50 (trade price, excluding VAT), a small price to pay for your family’s safety.

Colin McGregor, Parts Center Sales Director, said: “The number of people killed or seriously affected by the effects of CO poisoning are simply unacceptable.  And yet CO detectors are simple to install and relatively inexpensive to buy.

“It is really all about education. Installers need to spread the word that keeping your family safe from the perils of this silent killer isn’t going to cost you the earth,” he added.

In February 2012 Parts Center will be running a campaign called Wise up to CO Awareness, to highlight the dangers.

For more information about CO awareness week visit www.covictim.org/

To locate your nearest branch, visit www.partscenter.co.uk, call 0845 270 9800 or download the Plumb and Parts Center iPhone Apps from the App store.

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