Summer holidays are finally here and as you set off on your camping or caravanning holidays there is some important facts you need to know! I bet most of you won’t be aware that you can still be at risk of CO poisoning even in your tent or caravan? Did you know that a charcoal barbecue in a tent, caravan, motor home or room can result in CO poisoning? Or that using a gas camping stove inside can result in poisoning or that CO can build up in a poorly ventilated space with working gas appliances in it, such as a tent or caravan? Did you know even a cold non smoking BBQ can give off CO and mustn't be brought into a small area i.e. a tent.

Carbon Monoxide is known as the silent killer this is due to it being a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas. It can kill quickly with no warning to an exposed person. Recognizing early warning signs of CO poisoning is sometimes difficult because early symptoms of CO exposure (headache, dizziness, nausea) are non-specific and may be mistaken for symptoms of other illnesses. Low levels can cause shortness of breath, mild nausea and mild headaches, and may have longer-term effects on your health. As these symptoms mirror other illnesses like the flu and food poisoning you may not always be aware that CO poisoning could be the cause

If you do experience the symptoms of carbon monoxide you need to follow these steps:

• Get fresh air immediately and turn off combustion appliances and leave the house
• Go to A&E and explain to the doctor that you think you may have CO poisoning.
• You may be asked the following questions
• Do your symptoms occur only in the house?
• Do they disappear or decrease when you leave the home and reappear when you return?
• Is anyone else in your household complaining of similar symptoms?
• Did everyone's symptoms appear about the same time?
• Are you using any fuel-burning appliances in the home?
• Has anyone inspected your appliances lately?
• Are you certain they are working properly?

Here are HVP Supplies tips to keep you safe:

• DO Have all your Gas appliances serviced and checked and tested by a professional
• DO Make sure you choose appliances that vent their fumes to the outside whenever possible, have them properly installed, and maintain them according to manufacturers’ instructions.
• DO Read and follow all instructions carefully on appliances
• DO fit a CO detector in rooms that have boilers or any other gas appliance that may release CO - this is to be used alongside ensuring all of the above and not as a replacement
• DON'T use a gas oven to heat your home
• DON'T sleep in any room with an unvented gas heater or boiler

For further information on how to keep your family safe and a downloadable factsheet click here

HVP Supplies have put together a special holiday Gas Safe bundle to ensure you keep safe this summer! See our full range of Carbon Monoxide and Gas Detectors