Cumbria residents urged to test carbon monoxide alarms following serious incident
Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service has issued a warning to residents to take action against a ‘silent killer’.
At 23:55 on Tuesday 4 April, firefighters were mobilised to reports of a gas leak in the area of Wattsfield Road, Kendal.
A multi-agency operation took place in the early hours of this morning (Wednesday 5 April) following the discovery of the gas leak. As a precaution, nine homes were evacuated while enquires by fire officers and Cadent Gas were conducted. Four people were taken to hospital for treatment by North West Ambulance Service after reporting they were feeling unwell.
The gas leak was identified and isolated, with seven of the nine properties deemed safe for evacuated residents to return. A reception centre was activated for those who were evacuated, many of which have now returned safely to their homes.
The initial gas leak was discovered due to a fully working and maintained carbon monoxide alarm in one of the affected homes. This incident highlights the importance of ensuring your home has working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms which enables quick detection and can ultimately save lives.
Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service’s Area Manager Andy Lee, said:
“Carbon monoxide is known as a silent killer. You can't see it, smell it, or taste it. This is why it's so important you have working carbon monoxide alarms if you have a gas boiler, gas appliances or an open fire or log burner.
“A working carbon monoxide detector can detect harmful carbon monoxide levels in your home and can help protect you and your family.
“You can buy a carbon monoxide detector from most DIY stores and if you are in a rented property, the landlord must provide a carbon monoxide detector.
“Remember to test them regularly, at least once a month when you test your smoke alarms.”
If your carbon monoxide alarm goes off or you experience any symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, you should:
- Turn off any gas appliances
- Open windows and doors to ventilate the property
- Do not use your appliances/open fire/log burner until it has been inspected by a competent tradesperson
- If you feel unwell, call 111 and speak to the NHS
- Call a registered engineer to check all your fuel-burning appliances. To check if an engineer is on the gas safe register visit www.gassaferegister.co.uk
