Carbon monoxide detector given out at Back O’ Th’ Moss Community Centre saves woman’s life

Carbon monoxide (CO) detection alarm

A free carbon monoxide detector given out at the Back O’ Th’ Moss Community Centre in Heywood has saved a woman’s life – and its manager is now urging other people to come forward for their own.

The detectors were given out at the end of March when the community centre gave out slow cookers to those in need.

The woman concerned, who has not been publicly identified, also joined the gas priority services register, a free support service that makes sure extra help is available to people in vulnerable situations. 

Carbon monoxide (CO) can be omitted from everyday household appliances, such as poorly maintained or faulty boilers or gas cookers. It is known as the ‘silent killer’ because you can’t see it, smell it or taste it, which is why it is so important to have an audible carbon monoxide alarm installed.

An estimated 30 people die and a further 4,000 are hospitalised every year from carbon monoxide poisoning in the UK. However, the true number is likely to be much higher as the symptoms can easily be mistaken for flu or tiredness.

Carbon monoxide detectors sound an alarm of 85 decibels when the odourless gas is present – which is exactly what happened when the woman returned home one day.

As she was listed on the priority services register, she also received an emergency call out from a gas safety engineer who made the house safe. A high CO presence was detected in every room.

Back O’ Th’ Moss Community Centre Manager Jane Catz is now urging those who don’t have one to pick up a carbon monoxide detector from the centre.

She said: “This more than likely saved this lady from carbon monoxide poisoning, and possible death.”

Anyone who needs a carbon monoxide detector can visit Back O’ Th’ Moss Community Centre between 10am and 2pm on weekdays, with no need to book.

If you would also like a slow cooker, please ring Jane on 07515 122 311.

You can also get carbon monoxide detectors from DIY stores, high street shops and online - just make sure you check for the safety marks;

• Like a fire alarm, check it regularly and make sure the batteries are working;
• Just like your car, it’s important to have your gas appliances, like your boiler and cooker, serviced regularly;
• If you’re renting your landlord must ensure this is done for you every year by a Gas Safe Registered engineer;
• Be aware of the symptoms of CO poisoning – which include headaches, nausea and dizziness and similar to a common cold or the flu;
• And finally, make sure you have good ventilation from fires and stoves, and if you have a chimney, make sure it is swept once a year.