Gas distribution company SGN has announced its support of the CO Awareness Week 2021 (22-28 November 2021), led by The All Party Parliamentary Carbon Monoxide Group (APPCOG), to raise awareness about the importance of keeping safe from the 'Silent Killer'.

With carbon monoxide still causing illness and deaths in the UK each year, it's crucial that people learn how to keep themselves and their loved one's safe from the highly poisonous gas.

Working alongside the other UK gas network companies, throughout the week they will be sharing information with partners and across the website and social media channels, warning people about the dangers of carbon monoxide, encouraging people to invest in and test their CO alarms and teaching people, including - school children, about the symptoms of CO poisoning.

CO poisoning can be caused by badly fitted and poorly serviced gas appliances. It's so important to have your appliances checked each year to be assured they are working safely and efficiently. You should also check that the engineer is Gas Safe registered. Anyone working on gas appliances while not being registered is working illegally.

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One of the most important things to do to keep you and your family safe, is to make sure you have a working CO alarm in your home. You'll need to test it regularly to make sure it's working properly and check the expiry date. Should the batteries or alarm itself reach the end of their useable life, replace them as soon as possible to keep your household safe.

If you don't already have a CO alarm, this week is an ideal time to get one. From February 2022, it will be compulsory for everyone in Scotland who has a carbon-fuelled appliance – like a boiler, fire, heater or flue, to have a carbon monoxide alarm in the room.

It's also crucial to know the symptoms of CO poisoning; headaches, nausea, breathlessness, collapse, dizziness and loss of consciousness. If it any time you think there is CO in your home, go out to the fresh air and call the free 24-hour National Gas Emergency number immediately on 0800 111 999.

Barry Sheerman MP, Co-Chair of the APPCOG group said: "I am urging everyone to understand the dangers posed by carbon monoxide. Each year in November, Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week is held to raise awareness of what you can do to stay safe and protect your family. Number one is getting your appliances serviced and investing in a carbon monoxide alarm. Learn the signs that carbon monoxide could be around and save the Gas Emergency Service number 0800 111 999 on to your phone today - it could save a life!"