Wales & West Utilities is reporting a 65 per cent increase in carbon monoxide awareness amongst local residents after working with North Wales Fire and Rescue Service to educate people about the dangers that carbon monoxide (CO) poses.
The news comes during the Chief Fire Officers Association’s Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week (18-25 November).
Wales & West Utilities, the gas emergency and pipeline service across the region, has partnered with North Wales Fire and Rescue Service since April and is reporting a significant increase in CO awareness amongst people across the region.
North Wales Fire & Rescue Service Head of Community Safety, Paul Scott, with Wales & West Utilities Jake Jones and Alan Millington
The partnership has recently developed further with Wales & West Utilities providing additional training to a number of on the ground fire officers on the support it provides to customers. This will enable the fire service to be able to give the people it visits information on other ways Wales & West Utilities can support those most in need, including signing people up to the Priority Services Register, connecting them to the gas network through the Warm Home Assistance scheme and installing Locking Cooker Valves to help older people remain in their homes for longer.
Clive Book, Head of Emergency Services at Wales & West Utilities explains:
“We are committed to providing our customers and the communities we serve with information that will keep them safe. These initial survey results are encouraging.
“Through our work with the fire service, we can further help those who need our support the most by giving them another route to access invaluable advice and support.”
Clive added:
“As a values-based business we’re keen to work with partners that share our way of doing things and our priorities of customer service and safety, so we’re delighted to be working with North Wales Fire and Rescue Service. We recently met the exacting British Standard 18477 for our work in supporting vulnerable customers but there is always more we can do, and partnerships are a key way we can help deliver for those who need us most right across the communities we serve.”
As part of its ‘Safe and Well’ visits, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service provides key information on how to keep yourself and your family safe from the silent killer, carbon monoxide.
Paul Scott, Head of Community Safety at North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, said:
“We’re proud to be working with Wales & West Utilities to help ensure people have information to keep them as safe as possible from the dangers of carbon monoxide.
"Carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal or cause permanent damage to your health.
"CO is produced when carbon fuels don't burn completely - it has no smell or taste and, in large quantities, it can kill very quickly.
"By ensuring that all fuel burning appliances and associated flues are maintained and serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, chimneys are swept and inspected regularly and that an audible CO alarm is fitted, we can help protect ourselves and our families from the dangers of carbon monoxide."
Wales & West Utilities, the gas emergency and pipeline service that serves Wales and the south west of England, puts customers at the heart of the business and is rated the top utility company in the UK for customer service. If anyone smells gas, thinks they have a gas leak, or suspects carbon monoxide poisoning, they should call us on 0800 111 999 and our engineers will be there to help, day or night.
The company also has a multi-million pound, 30-year gas pipe investment programme which began in 2002. Old metal pipes within 30 metres of buildings are being upgraded to new long-lasting plastic pipes with a lifespan of more than 80 years, to make sure homes and businesses continue to receive a safe and reliable gas supply now and in the future.