Christmas Carbon Monoxide Safety Reminder from Wales & West Utilities

As the festive season approaches, Wales & West Utilities has issued an important safety message to help people stay safe and warm at home over Christmas.

With more time being spent indoors over the next few weeks, the company is urging households to be aware of carbon monoxide risks and the everyday behaviours that can increase the chance of an incident.

Common Causes of Carbon Monoxide in the Home

Data from last year shows that carbon monoxide incidents in homes were most often linked to everyday activities. These included cooking or using coals or charcoal indoors, burning incense, shisha use, and cooking with excessive grease or oil.

Carbon monoxide is a colourless and odourless gas, which means people may not realise there is a problem until symptoms appear.

Simple Steps to Stay Gas Safe This Christmas

Wales & West Utilities is reminding everyone to follow a few simple gas safety steps at home:

• Install an audible carbon monoxide alarm in every room with a gas appliance and test it regularly

• Know the warning signs of carbon monoxide, including gas appliances burning a floppy yellow or orange flame instead of a crisp blue one, pilot lights that frequently blow out, increased condensation on windows, or soot or yellow staining around appliances

• Be aware of carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms, which can feel like flu or food poisoning but without a high temperature

What To Do If You Suspect Carbon Monoxide

If a carbon monoxide alarm sounds or carbon monoxide is suspected, people should move outside into fresh air straight away, leaving doors and windows open as they go.

The National Gas Emergency Service should then be contacted on 0800 111 999. In a medical emergency, people are advised to call 999 immediately.

Gas Appliance Checks Still Matter

All gas appliances should be serviced and safety checked every year by a Gas Safe Registered engineer. Renters are advised to ask their landlord for a copy of the Gas Safety Record to confirm checks have been carried out.

Engineers Working Over Christmas

Throughout the festive period, engineers from Wales & West Utilities will continue working around the clock to keep gas flowing safely and reliably to homes across the area.

The company says these simple checks and behaviours can help reduce risk and ensure homes remain safe during the Christmas period.