Swansea Council is reminding people to keep their homes well ventilated when they have gas fires or boilers on during the cold weather.
People are being urged not to block their wall vents under any circumstances while their heating appliances or boilers are on this winter because doing so could lead to Carbon Monoxide poisoning.
Poor ventilation can lead to the production of dangerous Carbon Monoxide gas because fuel needs a sufficient amount of air to burn in the right way.
Some of the signs to look out for on fires or boilers include soot or stains around the appliance, a pilot light that frequently blows out or rising condensation around windows.
Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning include headaches, nausea, tiredness and chest or stomach pains.
Around 30 people a year are killed by Carbon Monoxide poisoning and many more are seriously injured. The elderly are said to be particularly at risk.
A Swansea Council spokesperson said: “It’s important people stay warm this winter but it’s also important they stay safe at the same time.
“We’d advise people to make sure rooms are well ventilated when using a heating appliance.”
Age Concern Cymru has produced a fact sheet to give advice to older people on different types of help available with their heating. This is available at www.accymru.org.uk/en/1.htm and includes a section on safety.
Carbon Monoxide poisoning can also be caused by appliances that are poorly installed, are not working properly or are not regularly maintained and checked for safety.
Have a look at www.kwtw.org.uk for details of the Welsh Assembly Government’s Keep Well This Winter campaign.
