Tom Levitt MP is urging High Peak residents to protect themselves against the deadly threat of carbon monoxide poisoning. New research shows that almost nine in ten households in our region are putting themselves at risk of poisoning by not having an audible carbon monoxide alarm. Carbon monoxide is a highly poisonous gas that has no colour, taste or smell, making it impossible to detect without an alarm.

Tom is supporting the ‘Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed!’ campaign which encourages people 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. The campaign is also backed by Kirstie Allsopp, of Channel 4’s Location, Location, Location.

Mr Levitt said: “Every householder in High Peak should make sure that they have an alarm and that their fuel-burning appliances are serviced each year by a professional. I would like to see all new homes fitted with an alarm and see landlords obliged to provide an alarm in order to get their annual gas safety certificate.”

High Peak has had five confirmed deaths in six years from CO poisoning, with possibly a sixth in December. This compares to about 12 a year in the whole country. This very high death rate is probably due to High Peak being so cold in winter, when people cut down on ventilation. Low level CO poisoning leads to poor health rather than death.

Christine McGourty, Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed! campaign spokesperson, said: “We regularly hear about members of the public whose lives have been saved by a Carbon Monoxide alarm – it’s the only way to detect this killer. You can buy an alarm from around £15 at DIY stores, supermarkets, high street shops or directly from energy suppliers. A number of retailers will also be offering special discounts in support of our campaign this January. Tom Levitt is a long-standing supporter of our campaign.”

The Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed! campaign recommends four simple steps to keep your household safe:

• Fit an audible CO alarm marked with the ‘EN50291′ safety standard
• Have fuel-burning appliances serviced annually by a registered professional
• Don’t block ventilation and get chimneys swept at least once a year
• Learn about the danger signs and symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning at www.co-bealarmed.co.uk

Carbon monoxide is produced when fuel-burning appliances are incorrectly fitted, badly repaired, poorly maintained or if flues, chimneys or vents are blocked.