Booked a staycation? Worry not about flights or tropical diseases. But carbon monoxide poisoning can occur anywhere so pack a CO alarm when going on holiday.
With the majority of us choosing to stay in the UK this year, it’s easy to become complacent – how risky can a staycation be? But it is vital that you pack a CO alarm when going on holiday as, in reality, there are potentially deadly risks when it comes to renting a holiday home, caravan, narrowboat or lodge, wherever in the world you are.
It is easy to understand why so many people have already decided that their summer holiday will be a staycation. The confusion surrounding when we may be able to travel abroad, where we will be able to visit, the extra red tape, tests and costs – it’s all incredibly stressful!
As it stands, we are not permitted to travel overseas from England, Scotland and Wales until at least May 17th 2021. However, self contained accommodation in the UK opens this Friday and hotels will be permitted to open from Monday 24th May.
After the year we’ve had, with so many cancellations, postponements and disappointments, a little bit of knowledge and structure goes a long way. Which is why so many campsites and holiday parks are already fully booked for the summer holidays.
But don’t get complacent!
It is important to remember that just because you don’t have to worry about passports, suitcase limits and lateral flow tests when holidaying in the UK, there are still risks that you need to be aware of, no matter where in the world you stay.
One case in point is the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Carbon monoxide is called the ‘silent killer’ because you cannot see, smell or taste it. It is released when fossil fuel such as gas, oil or coal doesn’t burn correctly – this might be through a boiler, gas fire or charcoal barbecue. When CO enters a person’s body it prevents blood from carrying oxygen to cells, tissues and organs.
Every year, approximately 40 people in the UK die as a result of CO poisoning. Approximately 200 are hospitalised and around 4,000 are unwell enough to attend A&E.
This is why it is so important that you pack a CO alarm when going on holiday. In your normal daily life, you keep an eye on the state of your boiler. You have a carbon monoxide alarm. You ensure your family is safe. But do you really think about that sort of thing when you go on holiday? Probably not – you want to relax and get away from the pressures and stress of your everyday routine.
Unfortunately, CO doesn’t care whether you’re in need of R&R. If your holiday home has a boiler; if you’re planning on having BBQs; it is vital that you stay safe. Do you know how often the boiler gets inspected? Are you 100% sure your accommodation has a carbon monoxide alarm?
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
CO poisoning results in flu-like symptoms but without the high temperature:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tiredness
- Shortness of breath
- Stomach pain
- Loss of consciousness
Pack a CO alarm when going on holiday
We hope you found our article ‘Safety first staycations – pack a CO alarm when going on holiday’ informative.
