Gas Safety Week is an annual safety week to raise awareness of gas safety across the UK. It is co-ordinated by Gas Safe Register with support from the gas industry including retailers, manufacturers, consumer bodies and the public.

Every year in the UK, more than 200 people go to hospital with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning, and around 40 people die. Small children and the elderly are most at risk, CORGI HomePlan is campaigning for every home to get a carbon monoxide detector, so that they can keep their family safe.

Most people know about the importance of having smoke detectors in the home, but not as many realise the importance of having a carbon monoxide detector in every room of your house that has a fuel burning appliance, such as a gas fire, gas cooker or boiler.

An audible carbon monoxide alarm is a good way to ensure you’re immediately alerted to any carbon monoxide in your home. Carbon monoxide detectors are widely available from DIY stores, usually found in the smoke alarm aisle, from supermarkets, or through your energy supplier. But, just as a smoke alarm doesn’t detect carbon monoxide, your carbon monoxide alarm isn’t a replacement for a standard smoke alarm – you’ll need one of each, or a combined smoke and carbon monoxide detector.Protecting your home from carbon monoxide poisoning begins the moment you get your new appliance home. It’s important to find a reliable professional with Gas Safe Register accreditation (formerly CORGI) to install any new gas appliance, as they can legally and safely undertake gas safety work.

As part of Gas Safe week CORGI HomePlan have published a blog all about keeping Carbon Monoxide safe in your home.

Disclosure: Written in collaboration with Corgi Homeplan.