Firefighters across Hampshire and Isle of Wight have responded to more than 70 gas related incidents already this year.
We’re supporting Gas Safety Week (8-14 September) to raise awareness of how you can keep you and your family safe from dangerous gas in your home.
Last year, firefighters responded to a call at a house in Southampton where occupants reported a sounding carbon monoxide (CO) alarm.
The crew arrived to provide initial treatment to two casualties suffering from CO poisoning, before they were relayed onto hospital by South Central Ambulance Service paramedics.
Using gas monitoring detection equipment, firefighters found CO levels to be raised inside, so they worked to ventilate the property.
Gas engineers isolated the supply as it was found to have been installed in an unsafe manner.
Officer in charge of the incident, Watch Manager Chris Norgate said:
“Carbon Monoxide can be extremely dangerous as it is hard to spot before you feel the effects of it.
“It is important to have a working CO alarm near to any gas supplied appliance in your home to help you identify any leaks before it causes you or your family any harm.
“If you suspect CO in your home, ensure it is properly ventilated by opening windows, switch off gas appliances, get out and dial 999.
“We can provide initial treatment, safely check your home using specialist equipment and work with gas engineers to isolate the gas supply.”
Carbon Monoxide is colourless, odourless and can cause headaches, drowsiness, unconsciousness and in some cases suffocation.
Gas appliances that have been installed incorrectly or not been maintained properly can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning, so it’s vital that the necessary safety checks are carried out.
You can stay safe by following our top tips:
- Ensure your gas appliances are checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Don’t leave it to chance.
- You can check whether an engineer is gas safe registered on the gas safe website – GasSafeRegister.co.uk. Remember to check their ID card before work takes place.
- Install an audible Carbon monoxide (CO) alarm and test it regularly.
- Keep vents and chimneys clear.
- Carbon monoxide is known as the ‘silent killer’ because you can’t see, smell or taste it so, make sure you’re aware of the danger signs and symptoms of CO poisoning:
- Headache
- Feeling dizzy or sick
- Feeling tired and confused
- Being sick or suffering stomach pain
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Gas Safety Week aims to reach as many people as possible and organisations across the nation are working together to raise awareness of the dangers of poorly maintained and badly fitted gas appliances, which can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. To keep your gas appliances working safely and efficiently it’s important to have them safety checked every year by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
‘Looking after your home, friends, family’ is this year’s theme. It emphasises that everyone has a part to play in keeping each other safe, whether that is looking after or simply sharing advice with immediate family, extended family, friends, neighbours or tenants – we can all do our part to keep the national safe.
Rob Denman, Director of Gas Services at Gas Safe Register, said:
“This is the fifteenth Gas Safety Week and the 2025 theme ‘Looking after your home, friends and family’ centres around the desire for us all to keep those we care for safe.
“Each Gas Safety Week, our partners, stakeholders and Gas Safe Register share information to help everyone be gas safe and I’m thrilled Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service is helping to share the message and the importance of ensuring everyone only uses an engineer that is registered and qualified.”
Find out more about Carbon Monoxide poisoning and Gas Safety Week.
