PEOPLE in Worcestershire are being reminded to be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.

As part of next week’s National Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) has issued advice for avoiding the deadly gas.

The week-long campaign, now in its ninth year, is run by charity Carbon Monoxide Awareness as aims to raise awareness of the dangers of burning coal, gas, oil and wood.

HWFRS station commander Alan Haley said: “Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas.

“Ordinarily this would not be a problem but it is also an extremely poisonous gas and because you can't see it, taste it or smell it, it could kill without warning in just a few hours.

“Anything that burns a fossil fuel, a cooker, a boiler, even a barbeque, has the potential to produce carbon monoxide if the appliance is faulty and the fuel does not burn properly.

“Installing a carbon monoxide alarm will provide an early warning system in case there is a carbon monoxide leak in your home.

“You can buy one from a DIY or hardware store.”

Signs of carbon monoxide include dark staining on or around appliances, pilot lights frequently blowing out and increased condensation inside windows.

Any faulty gas appliances can also pose a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Flames in gas cookers should also be blue – if they burn yellow or orange the appliance may need to be checked.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness, collapse and loss of consciousness.

For more information visit www.covictim.org.

In an emergency always dial 999.