Article by Christine Hearn
Recently at 10:20 in the evening my carbon monoxide alarm started beeping and flashing a yellow light. The internet suggested a low battery. I knew it wasn’t as I had bought a new device two months before after dropping my alarm in a bowl of water.
I rang the gas emergency (0800 111 999) and they said “open the doors and windows and we will send an engineer”. He arrived within half an hour and tested everything and said it was definitely a gas leak in my boiler and turned the main gas off immediately.
The engineer went to his van and brought me two boxed electric fan heaters, one for downstairs and one for upstairs which he said were mine to keep.
He also went next door to make sure no gas had got in there. He said it was a fault with my boiler and I must call an engineer. He confirmed with me that I was now completely safe but to call an engineer next morning.
This I did and he came that day. He told me it was a bad leak and without that warning I could have gone to sleep and never woken up!!
That alarm saved my life.
So PLEASE make sure you have a carbon monoxide alarm and test it regularly.
I have since told other people and have come across two people who have immediately gone out and brought one. Mine is called a “Fire Angel”. It certainly was an angel looking after me.
We are very glad that Christine acted so quickly and received the help she needed from the professionals. The seriousness of this cannot be underestimated and we thank her for sharing her story with us.
Are you aware that people over 65 can request a visit from your local fire service who offer free installation of both fire alarms and carbon monoxide alarms?
They will visit your house to provide essential fire detection and safety advice, with specialized alarms available for hearing loss.
To apply please ring this number 0800 0435042, email us at [email protected] or visit our website Home Fire Safety Visits.
A couple of Committee members have recently done this and were very happy with their visit and equipment that was installed.
So please don’t delay and make that call if you do not already have the equipment, as Christine has said it could save your life!!
