Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed! campaign: A toolkit for local
authorities
Materials and information to help you inform and support your local residents
Contents:
1) Introduction
-
What this toolkit is for
-
What we would like you to do
2) Suggested content for your website
3) Suggested content for your press materials
4) Suggested tweets
1) Introduction

What is this toolkit for?
- It provides you with information on the danger posed
by carbon monoxide poisoning to share with residents
- It gives you stats and info to inform your press releases
and media materials
- It provides information and draft content for your
website, online information directories, newsletters and
twitter feed
Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed! is the national campaign to reduce the number of
deaths and injuries caused by carbon monoxide. The campaign is run by Energy UK on
behalf of Britain’s six major gas and electricity companies in partnership with the
Dominic Rodgers Trust, and is supported by more than 40 other organisations.
According to the Department of Health, more than 40 people in England and Wales die
each year from carbon monoxide poisoning, and thousands more are treated in hospital.
It is likely many more victims go unrecognised because the early symptoms can easily
be mistaken for common illnesses such as flu or food poisoning.
Carbon monoxide is produced when fuels such as gas, oil, charcoal, coal and wood do
not burn completely. The most common cause of this is when an appliance, such as a
boiler or cooker, is installed incorrectly or poorly maintained. Carbon monoxide can also
build up when flues, chimneys or vents are blocked.
Research has found that renters are twice as likely to be exposed to carbon monoxide
poisoning, with almost 2.5 million people at risk. Landlords are not required to fit an
alarm by law, so our campaign is urging everyone, especially renters to purchase and
install one today.
We are particularly keen to work with your local authority, and help you to help raise
awareness amongst your residents. We realise that your resources may be under
pressure and we would like to make it as easy as possible for you to provide helpful
information to your residents on the dangers posed by carbon monoxide and how to
protect themselves.
So please do pass this toolkit on to colleagues who may be able to help us spread our
message, and ultimately, help save lives.
We hope this toolkit is useful – for you and your residents. Do get in touch on 020 7492
0999 or via press@co-bealarmed.co.uk if you would like to talk it through or there is
any other material we can provide to you.
2) Suggested content for you website

This content can be used for inclusion on any section of your website that
you think is relevant
Carbon Monoxide – Fact sheet
Why should people be alarmed?
Carbon monoxide is a highly poisonous gas that has no colour, taste or smell, meaning it
can easily be inhaled without somebody realising. Carbon monoxide can also seep
through walls. When carbon monoxide is breathed in, it starves the body of oxygen. High
levels can kill within minutes, but it can also cause a range of non-fatal health problems,
ranging from headaches and drowsiness through to lasting brain and nervous system
damage.
Despite the dangers, studies have shown that fewer than one in ten homes have a
carbon monoxide alarm* and this year’s campaign highlights the fact that renters are
twice as likely to be exposed to carbon monoxide poisoning* with almost 2.5 million
people at risk.* An audible carbon monoxide alarm is the only effective way for people to
protect themselves and their families. Landlords are not required to fit an alarm by law,
so we’re urging everyone, especially renters to purchase and install one today.
Young children and elderly people are particularly at risk from carbon monoxide
poisoning because their bodies are less able to withstand the effects. Women should also
be aware that if they don’t have an alarm and are pregnant they are putting their unborn
child at risk.
How many people are affected?
According to the Department of Health, more than 40 people in England and Wales die
each year from carbon monoxide poisoning, and thousands more are treated in hospital.
It is likely many more victims go unrecognised because the early symptoms can easily
be mistaken for common illnesses such as flu or food poisoning.
What are the causes of carbon monoxide poisoning?
Carbon monoxide is produced when fuels such as gas, oil, charcoal, coal and wood do
not burn fully. The most common cause of this is when a household fuel-burning
appliance, such as a boiler or cooker, is installed incorrectly or is poorly maintained.
Carbon monoxide can also build up in homes when flues, chimneys or vents are blocked,
and lit barbeques emit carbon monoxide, and continue to do so once they’re
extinguished.
Four steps to protect yourself
The Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed! campaign recommends four simple steps to keep
your household safe:
1. Fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm in your home – if you don’t have one,
go and get one today. You can get them from most energy suppliers, DIY
stores and supermarkets and many other high street shops. Make sure you
buy an audible alarm – it should meet the European standard, EN50291. The
alarm will sound if too much carbon monoxide is in the air.
2. Have fuel-burning appliances serviced annually by a registered professional.
3. Don’t block ventilation points and get chimneys swept at least once a year.
4. Learn about the danger signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning at
www.co-bealarmed.co.uk
5. There have been a number of cases recently of carbon monoxide poisoning
caused by barbeques in enclosed spaces, such as in tents. When camping, be
sure not to bring your barbeque inside with you, lit or extinguished, as the
build-up of carbon monoxide emitted in a small space can be fatal.
What are the symptoms?
Carbon monoxide can be fatal and can lead to a range of serious health problems
including lasting brain and nervous system damage.
The symptoms of mild poisoning are often similar to common illnesses such as flu or
food-poisoning, meaning people often don’t realise they are suffering from carbon
monoxide poisoning until the symptoms get worse.
The most common symptoms of mild poisoning are: nausea, dizziness, tiredness,
headaches and abdominal pain. Some people may also vomit.
The longer someone breathes in carbon monoxide, the worse the symptoms will get.
They may lose their balance, vision and memory. There is also a high chance with high
or prolonged exposure that they will fall unconscious or, at worst, die. This can happen
within two hours if there is a lot of carbon monoxide in the air.
Other warning signs that suggest carbon monoxide poisoning include:
Other people in your house, flat or workplace experiencing similar symptoms
Symptoms disappearing when you leave your home and returning when you come back
What to do in an emergency
If your alarm goes off or you spot other signs of carbon monoxide:



Open doors or windows for ventilation and leave your home immediately Stop
using all your cooking and heating appliances that use fuels such as gas, oil
wood, charcoal or coal.
Seek immediate advice from your GP if you think you have
carbon monoxide poisoning or, if it is urgent, call 999 for an ambulance Call the
relevant emergency advice line: Gas Emergency Service (24 hours) 0800 111
999; Solid fuels (HETAS) 0845 634 5626; Oil (OFTEC) 0845 658 5080
Have all appliances serviced and checked. Do not use them until you are told it’s
safe to do so
For information and advice on how to stay safe visit: www.co-bealarmed.co.uk
*The study was carried out by Liverpool John Moores University in 2011. Firefighters conducted checks at
22,182 properties across Merseyside. 92 per cent of the properties did not have carbon monoxide alarms.
* Research conducted by the Gas Safety Trust as part of the Carbon Monoxide Trends Report show private
renters are at 50% greater risk than owner/occupier or social landlord tenants.
* There are 4.2m private renter households in the UK according to ONS data for England and Wales. Of the 4.2m
that are privately rented, 59% of renters do not have an alarm and are at risk so is it 2,478,000 households.
3) Suggested content for your press materials

This content can be used by your press team to inform their own press
releases or campaigns: this provides basic information for you to slot into
materials they are already creating

It also includes a template press release which you may want to use

Please also take a look at Section 5 which provides approved images

If you would like any further information regarding the Carbon Monoxide –
Be Alarmed! campaign please call us on 020 7492 0999 or email
press@co-bealarmed.co.uk
Carbon Monoxide – Key information
Carbon Monoxide – Key information

Carbon monoxide is often referred to as the ‘silent killer’ because it has no taste,
smell or colour, meaning it can be easily inhaled without its victims realising.

At high levels, this highly poisonous gas can kill in a matter of minutes. At lower
levels, it can cause a range of serious and long-term health problems, including
lasting brain and nervous system damage.

The gas is produced when fuels like gas, oil, charcoal, coal and wood do not burn
fully. In most cases, it comes from a household fuel-burning appliance, like a
boiler or cooker that has been incorrectly installed or poorly maintained.

It can also build up in homes when flues, chimneys or vents are blocked, and can
even seep through walls from neighbouring properties.

Research has shown that private renters are twice as likely to be exposed to
carbon monoxide poisoning with almost 2.5 million people at risk

Having an audible carbon monoxide alarm in your home that sounds when the
gas is present is the only effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones.
These life-saving alarms cost as little as £15 and are widely available in DIY
stores, supermarkets, high street shops or directly from energy suppliers.

Don’t take the risk. Make sure you have an audible carbon monoxide alarm in
your home and that it works.
Carbon Monoxide – Draft press release
Councillor backs Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed! campaign
Councillor [NAME] is urging residents in [PLACE] to protect themselves against the
deadly threat of Carbon Monoxide poisoning. The call comes as research from the
Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed! campaign has found that more than 2.5 million private
renters are putting themselves and their families * at risk of poisoning because they
don’t have an alarm in their home which will warn them of the poisonous gas.
As carbon monoxide has no smell, colour or taste, and can seep through walls, installing
an audible alarm that sounds when the gas is present is the only way to make sure you
are protected. It can be produced by any fuel-burning appliance – such as a boiler,
cooker or fire – which is faulty or doesn’t have adequate ventilation.
[Name] is supporting the Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed! campaign which is
encouraging everyone to ensure they have an audible Carbon Monoxide alarm and that
they have all fuel-burning appliances serviced annually by a registered and qualified
engineer.
[Name] said:
“Carbon Monoxide is a deadly gas that you can’t see, smell or taste. Too many
people are dying or suffering needlessly from Carbon Monoxide poisoning. That’s why
I am urging every resident in [place] to make sure they and their loved ones are
protected by installing an audible carbon monoxide alarm.”
Lawrence Slade, Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed! spokesperson, said:
“Our campaign aims to raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning
and we are urging everyone, not just renters, to protect themselves and their families by
purchasing an audible alarm. They are available at supermarkets, DIY stores high street
shops or directly from energy suppliers. Importantly, they save lives.”
The Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed! campaign recommends four simple steps to keep
households safe:

Fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm. It should meet European standard
EN50291 (you can find this on the alarm and/or packaging). Carbon Monoxide
alarms are a similar size to smoke alarms and only take a few minutes to fit

Have fuel-burning appliances serviced annually by an appropriately qualified and
registered engineer

Don't block ventilation and have chimneys swept at least once a year

Know the main symptoms: headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness,
collapsing and loss of consciousness and watch out for soot or yellow/brown
staining on or around your appliance or pilot lights that blow out frequently
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
For more information please contact the Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed! press
office on 020 7492 0999 or email press@co-bealarmed.co.uk
Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed! is the national campaign to reduce the number of
deaths and injuries caused by carbon monoxide. The campaign is run by Energy UK on
behalf of Britain’s six major gas and electricity companies in partnership with the
Dominic Rodgers Trust, and is supported by more than 40 other organisations.
Carbon monoxide is produced when fuels such as gas, oil, charcoal, coal and wood do
not burn completely. The most common cause of this is when an appliance, such as a
boiler or cooker, is installed incorrectly or poorly maintained. Carbon monoxide can also
build up when flues, chimneys or vents are blocked.
The Department of Health estimates that at least 4,000 people are treated in hospital
and 40 are killed by carbon monoxide poisoning each year but the true figures are likely
to be significantly higher.
Research
* There are 4.2m private renter households in the UK according to ONS data for
England and Wales. Of the 4.2m are privately rented, 59% of renters do not have an
alarm and are at risk so is it 2,478,000 households.
* Research conducted by the Gas Safety Trust as part of the Carbon Monoxide
Trends Report show private renters are at 50% greater risk than owner/occupier or
social landlord tenants.
* The research for Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed! was carried out by OnePoll
research in November 2014, among 7,000 GB adults, 2,000 private renters and 500
private landlords
4) Suggested tweets
“I am supporting @COBeAlarmed campaign – make sure you get a carbon monoxide
alarm today LINK to website/press materials”
“Too many people in the UK die or become ill because of CO poisoning each year. Follow
@COBeAlarmed & get an alarm today”
“CO poisoning is hard to identify, as symptoms are like flu. Keep your family safe by
getting a CO alarm today @COBeAlarmed LINK to website/press materials”