You can’t see it or smell it, but carbon monoxide (CO) is something we should all be aware of – and it’s important to know how to protect yourself and your family.

It can build up if appliances aren’t working properly, but the good news is it’s easy to stay safe. A working CO detector and a few simple checks around your home are all it takes to protect yourself and your loved ones with confidence.

What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that’s produced when fuels like gas, coal, wood, and oil don’t burn fully.

Appliances like boilers, fires, stoves and even car engines can produce CO if they’re faulty or poorly ventilated.

The gas can build up in poorly ventilated spaces, such as in a room with a blocked chimney or a gas appliance that hasn’t been maintained.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning

CO poisoning can happen quickly, sometimes in just a few minutes. Or it can occur over time, depending on how much gas is in the air.

The symptoms include:
– Headaches
– Dizziness
– Nausea
– Breathlessness
– Collapsing
– Losing consciousness

If you or others in your home are experiencing any of these symptoms — and they seem to get better when you leave the house — it could be CO poisoning. Pets can also be affected, so don’t forget to check on them too.

Warning signs of carbon monoxide in your home

Look out for:
– Symptoms that appear only when you’re at home and improve when you go out
– Black or sooty marks on the front of gas fires
– Yellow or brown stains around boilers, stoves or fires
– Pilot lights going out often
– Yellow or flickering flames instead of steady blue ones
– Excess condensation on your windows

What to do if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning

If you think you might have carbon monoxide in your home, act fast:

– Open all doors and windows to let fresh air in
– Turn off gas appliances, if it’s safe to do so
– Get outside into the fresh air
– Seek medical help – contact your GP or go to hospital and tell them you suspect CO poisoning
– Call the National Gas Emergency Service number on 0800 111 999
– Let us know too – call Town & Country Housing on 01892 501480

– Get help from NHS 111 if you think you have carbon monoxide poisoning

Preventing carbon monoxide poisoning

Here’s how you can stay safe:

– Make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector on every floor of your home, especially near sleeping areas. If you do not have one please contact us. 
– Check the flame on your gas appliances – it should be blue. Yellow or orange could be a warning sign
– Don’t block vents or flues – keep them clean and clear
– If you own your home, book a registered engineer to check your gas appliances each year
– If you rent from us, we carry out safety checks for you – please give our team access when we get in touch

Need more advice? Visit Kent Fire and Rescue Service.

If you’re a Town & Country Housing resident and suspect any problems with gas appliances or CO, please call us straight away on 01892 501480.