RESIDENTS are being urged to make sure they know the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Campaigners raising awareness of the condition, known as the ‘silent killer’ say that just three in five people in Dorset struggle to identify the tell-tale signs.

And more than half of homes – 54 per cent – don’t have a carbon monoxide alarm.

More than 50 people a year in the UK die from carbon monoxide poisoning and another 4,000 are treated in hospital.

The Carbon Monoxide Be Alarmed campaign said that as it can affect people before they are aware there is a problem, having an alarm can be lifesaving.

Symptoms include headaches, nausea, dizziness and breathlessness.

Lawrence Slade, a spokesman for the campaign, said: “As we enter one of the coldest months of the year, it is worrying to think that over half of residents in the South West region are not 
protecting themselves from carbon monoxide poisoning. 

“This is a silent killer – you cannot see it, taste it or smell it but it can still kill you.

“Protect yourself, and your family, by following the simple ABC checklist – Do you have an Alarm fitted? Have you tested it and are the Batteries working? Have you had an up to date gas Check?”

Carbon Monoxide Be Alarmed is the national campaign run by Energy UK to reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by carbon monoxide. Since 2008, the campaign has encouraged people to install carbon monoxide alarms in their homes.

Carbon monoxide is produced when fuels such as gas, oil, charcoal, coal and wood do not burn completely. The most common cause of this is when an appliance, such as a boiler or cooker, is installed incorrectly or poorly maintained. Carbon monoxide can also build up when flues, chimneys or vents are blocked.

As carbon monoxide has no smell, colour or taste, installing an audible alarm that sounds when the gas is present is the only way to make sure you are protected.

For more information about how to stay safe, visit www.co-bealarmed.co.uk