Holidays are meant to be about getting away from the daily stresses of life, to relax and unwind, but holiday accommodation may contain hidden dangers, something everyone should be prepared for.
CORGI is alerting all holidaymakers to be more aware of one of the dangers they might face whilst away by launching a nationwide campaign this summer, encouraging people to pack an audible carbon monoxide alarm when travelling abroad. The campaign raises awareness of how dangerous carbon monoxide poisoning can be and how we should all be particularly vigilant when staying in holiday accommodation.
Research has shown that whilst 30% of holidaymakers would pack teabags in their suitcase, only 2% would pack an audible carbon monoxide alarm. 14% of holidaymakers list their main worry when going away to be losing their suitcase, only 1% list carbon monoxide poisoning, and a worrying 85% of consumers said they would NOT consider enquiring about the gas safety of their hotel/villa/apartment when booking holiday accommodation.
Known as the ‘silent killer’, carbon monoxide is a highly poisonous gas that you cannot see, smell or taste. Carbon monoxide is potentially fatal, and even low levels of the poison can result in lasting and serious damage to health. It is produced when fuel (gas, wood, oil or coal) is burnt without an adequate oxygen supply, for example in appliances such as boilers and cookers.
The campaign has already been promoted on BBC Breakfast, ITV’s This Morning, on travel websites and various BBC and commercial radio stations nationwide. As part of the initiative, CORGI has also launched a WebTV programme to highlight the importance of gas safety abroad. The programme includes interviews with travel journalist Russell Amerasakera, who provides travel safety tips, and CORGI Spokesperson Sarah Hill, who shares gas safety advice.
Christi Shepherd, 7, and Bobby Shepherd, 6, died from carbon monoxide poisoning while on holiday in Corfu in 2006. They were killed when a faulty appliance in their holiday accommodation leaked the deadly gas. The parents of the two children have been supporting CORGI’s campaign. The children’s father, Neil Shepherd, who was left in a coma for four days following the incident, said:
“The deaths of our children were a tragedy that should never have happened. Sadly, it is too late for them but we want to stop other holidaymakers dying in such a tragic and pointless way. It is incredibly important that you ensure the accommodation you’re staying in is safe before you begin your holiday, and by taking an audible carbon monoxide alarm with you could prevent any more lives being taken by this silent killer.”
The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to the flu, and can include: headaches, dizziness, tiredness, nausea, stomach and chest pains. If you feel ill whilst near an appliance, but feel better once you are in fresh air, you could be suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning.
CORGI’s tips for staying safe from carbon monoxide poisoning whilst on holiday abroad are:
- Check what gas safety precautions your tour operators have in place before leaving to go on holiday
- Take an audible carbon monoxide alarm on holiday with you. Make sure any CO alarm you take with you is EN-approved – look for the approved symbols on the packaging
- Your alarm should have an audible signal and a removable battery. You will need to remove all batteries from the alarm or disable them before travelling and replace batteries once you have arrived at your destination. If your CO alarm is a sealed unit you may be able to turn the alarm off whilst in transit by following manufacturer's procedures and turn it on when you arrive at your accommodation. If travelling on a plane take the CO alarm in hand luggage if it is activated.
- Place the alarm near the appliance or in the bedroom, but make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Look out for signs of obvious distress on any gas appliances in your accommodation, including brown or black marks or stains, lazy orange flames instead of crisp blue ones, pilot lights that easily blow out and excessive condensation in the room.
- If you have any cause for concern, seek urgent medical attention and say that you suspect CO poisoning. Immediately report your concerns to your holiday rep or other responsible person, and do not return to your accommodation until it has been checked by an expert.
You can buy a carbon monoxide alarm from your local CORGI registered installer, or from DIY stores and supermarkets. You can also purchase one here.
For further information on carbon monoxide, please visit:
www.becarbonmonoxideaware.com or call CORGI on 0800 915 0480