Will you and your family be CO safe on holiday?

With air bridges opening and closing on what feels like a weekly basis, rain and sun from one day to the next, and the constant threat of local lockdowns and quarantines, it’s hardly surprising that last minute breaks have become the ‘norm’. 

Coronavirus means that we can’t plan for much so for many of us in desperate need of a holiday, it’s a case of ‘the weather looks ok this weekend – let’s see what UK cottage or flight to a non-quarantine country we can book!’ Which is all very well but often means that any planning flies out of the window. If you forget your flipflops or favourite book, it’s a pain but not life-threatening. But are you 100% confident that you and your family will be CO safe on holiday?

Is remaining CO safe on holiday on your radar?

No, we’re not trying to scaremonger you. 2020 has been stressful enough without adding even more panic! However, the fact is that whilst location, price and local attractions are high on the list when it comes to staycations or breaks abroad, safety isn’t always a big concern. 

Yet you might be shocked by how many people are affected by carbon monoxide poisoning. The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) records around 60 deaths and 200 hospitalisations per year in England and Wales alone. 

Thankfully awareness of the risks of CO poisoning has increased in recent years. Yet even with information being readily available, Gas Safe Register reported that over the course of two years, 40 people were either killed or admitted to hospital due to CO poisoning whilst holidaying in a tent, caravan, boat or holiday cottage in Britain.

How to stay CO safe on holiday this year

The easiest way to remain CO safe on holiday is to pack a portable carbon monoxide alarm in your suitcase. It’s simply getting into the habit – just as you would automatically reach for sun tan lotion if you’re flying to Spain in the summer or a raincoat if you’re staying in the UK, packing a CO alarm will soon become second nature. 

You can find a decent amount of lightweight, compact carbon monoxide alarms on the market that will take up minimal room in your suitcase. It will alert you to any potential dangers, such as CO emissions from cookers, boilers and barbecues. 

If you are staying in a holiday cottage or apartment, you can also check with the landlord that there is a carbon monoxide alarm installed.

What are the symptoms?

Staying CO safe on holiday means knowing what symptoms to look out for. 

Carbon monoxide poisoning is caused by faulty or poorly-serviced gas appliances, plus barbecues etc that are lit in badly ventilated areas. It’s known as the ‘silent killer’ because you can’t see, smell or taste carbon monoxide. 

The symptoms are not always obvious either, which is why a carbon monoxide alarm is so important. They include:

• Tension-type headache
• Dizziness
• Feeling nauseated
• Vomiting
• Tiredness and confusion
• Shortness of breath
• Loss of consciousness

This year hasn’t been fun for anyone and if you have the chance to escape for a few days, take that opportunity! Just ensure you stay CO safe on holiday and pack that carbon monoxide alarm. It can quite literally save your life.