New campaign warns Wirral residents of carbon monoxide threat (From Wirral Globe)

New campaign warns Wirral residents of carbon monoxide threat

4:14pm Friday 11th January 2013 in News

FIREFIGHTERS have launched a new campaign to highlight the threat of carbon monoxide in Wirral homes.

The awareness scheme by the Gas Safe Register will see crews across Merseyside telling residents about the risks of the gas and encouraging them to have their gas appliances checked every year.

Known as the "silent killer," carbon monoxide is invisible, tasteless and odourless and 4,000 people every year need medical treatment due to its effects.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service deputy chief officer Phil Garrigan said: "This campaign follows research work we undertook along with Liverpool John Moores University and West Midlands fire service where firefighters took readings of carbon monoxide (CO) in homes across Merseyside as part of our safety checks.

"The research found high levels of CO goes unnoticed in many homes on a daily basis due to a low level of CO alarms in properties.

"The findings of the study we took part in emphasised the importance of keeping you and your family safe by using a carbon monoxide alarm and making sure a Gas Safe registered engineer inspects and services your boiler."