Advice for elderly people
Elderly people are at particular risk of Carbon Monoxide poisoning as their bodies are less able to withstand the effects of Carbon Monoxide. Older people are also most likely to use older heating and cooking equipment and to have a lower awareness of the potential danger.
However, despite the higher risk they face, fewer than half of people aged 55 or above have an audible Carbon Monoxide alarm fitted in their home and more than a third do not get appliances checked annually.
It is recommended that all households fit an audible Carbon Monoxide detector and have all fuel burning appliances serviced annually by a qualified and registered engineer with the appropriate organisation: CORGI (gas), HETAS (solid fuel) or OFTEC (oil).
Some help is available for elderly people on low incomes. Pensioners on means tested benefits who own their own homes may be entitled to a free gas safety check from their energy supplier. Many energy suppliers also provide additional advice and services for older people to reduce the risk of Carbon Monoxide poisoning.
For more information on these and other free services contact your energy supplier, call the Home Heat Helpline free on 0800 33 66 99 or visit www.homeheathelpline.org.uk
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A message from
Kirstie Allsopp
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Carbon Monoxide affects people like you
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