A carbon monoxide alarm on a plain white background

‘Londoners know least about CO dangers’

Two in five people are unaware of the signs and symptoms of CO poisoning, according to a report by Firechief Global.

Londoners had the lowest awareness, with just 57% knowing what the signs and symptoms are and what to do if their CO alarm activates.

Brighton residents knew most about the dangers of CO, with 68% of respondents knowing that it is poisonous and odourless. In the south coast city, 66% knew how to identify symptoms and 62% knew what sources can emit carbon monoxide.

Overall, more than half of respondents knew what types of appliance can emit CO – but almost one-third (32%) believed that electric heaters and electric stoves are among them.

The survey also revealed that only 57% of Brits would know to turn off all appliances if a CO alarm sounded; 73% would open windows immediately and 70% would evacuate the premises. But only half (54%) would take the crucial step of contacting emergency services.

Alarmingly, 28% of respondents either did not have a CO alarm or were unsure. Younger people were the least likely to have a CO alarm, with 31% of 16-24 year-olds either unsure or stating they didn’t have one. This percentage slightly decreased to 30% among 25-34 year-olds and dropped further to 25% for both 45-54 year-olds and those age 55 and older.

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