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Carbon Monoxide Safety Reminder Following Recent Incident

Date

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is reminding members of the public of crucial carbon monoxide (CO) safety advice following a recent incident. 

On 6 February 2025, we were called to a property where the CO alarm was sounding. The caller reported the smell of gas and feeling dizzy.  

East Sussex Fire & Rescue crews responded and assisted with a full evacuation of the property. A gas leak was identified and two people suffering from symptoms of CO exposure were handed over to the care of South East Coast Ambulance Service.  

The scene was secured in collaboration with a Gas Engineer and the incident was handed over to the Gas Board. 

The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide 

CO is a silent threat from unsafe gas appliances - you can’t see, smell or taste it, but a working CO alarm can detect it and save lives. 

Whether you are a homeowner, tenant, landlord or business owner, here’s how you can protect yourself and others: 

  • Install CO alarms in all areas with fuel-burning appliances. 
  • Schedule annual servicing for appliances with a qualified professional. 
  • Test alarms regularly and keep them free from dust. 
  • Replace batteries as needed to ensure they remain in working order. 
  • Use only Gas Safe registered engineers for gas safety checks. 

Advice for landlords 

Landlords must ensure CO and smoke alarms are installed and maintained in rental properties. 

 All relevant landlords must: 

  1. Install at least one smoke alarm per storey in living areas. 
  1. Install a CO alarm in any room with a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers). 
  1. Repair or replace faulty alarms as soon as they are reported. 

For full guidance visit: Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations 2022: guidance for landlords and tenants - GOV.UK or contact your local fire safety office for advice. 

How to report a gas or carbon monoxide emergency: 

If your CO alarm sounds or you suspect a gas leak: 

  • Evacuate immediately – stop using all appliances and leave the property. 
  • Call the National Gas Emergency Service at 0800 111 999 or the HSE Gas Safety Advice Line at 0800 300 363. 
  • Do not re-enter the property (wait for advice from the emergency services). 
  • Seek medical help if you feel unwell. 

Signs of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning 

Get to know the signs of CO poisoning so you can spot danger.  

  • A small headache 
  • Feeling dizzy 
  • Feeling sick 
  • Throwing up 
  • Feeling tired 
  • Feeling sleepy 

If you think you have been exposed to carbon monoxide and feel unwell or are worried call NHS 111, contact your GP or in an emergency contact emergency services on 999. 

Home Safety Visits 

If you have any questions or concerns about fire safety in the home, we offer a free Home safety check service. If you would like to find out more you can: 

  • call us on 0800 177 7069 

More Information and Useful links: 

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