Away from home safety
Carbon monoxide safety is just as important when you’re away from home. Whether you’re camping, staying in a holiday property or travelling in a caravan or motorhome, stay aware of the potential sources of CO and make safety part of your trip.
Sunscreen? Check. Swimwear? Check. Carbon monoxide alarm?
Carbon monoxide can be present in hotels, holiday lets, caravans, motorhomes, boats and camping accommodation if fuel-burning appliances are faulty or poorly ventilated.
Wherever you’re staying, take a few simple precautions.
Before you put the suitcase into the car, here’s a few safety tips to consider to keep you and your loved ones safe:
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Invest in a portable, audible carbon monoxide alarm that meets British Standard BS EN 50291 and pack it in your case.
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Check if your holiday accommodation has a carbon monoxide alarm and locate it on arrival.
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Never use BBQs, camping stoves or disposable BBQs inside tents, awnings, caravans, motorhomes or enclosed spaces.
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Always BBQ in a well-ventilated area, away from tents and sleeping areas.
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Be aware of generators and fuel-powered equipment or heaters when abroad or camping. Never operate them inside or near enclosed spaces.
Make a CO alarm part of your holiday essentials.
Carbon monoxide can be a risk when you’re away from home too, particularly where fuel-burning appliances are being used. Packing a portable CO alarm gives you an extra layer of protection, helping to alert you if carbon monoxide is present.
Whether you’re staying in a holiday cottage, hotel, caravan or motorhome, taking your own alarm is a simple step that can help keep you and your family safe.
Make sure your CO alarm complies with British Standards BS EN50291-1. Look for the BSI Kitemark logo.
Carbon monoxide can be a risk when travelling in a campervan or motorhome, particularly when fuel-burning cooking or heating appliances are being used. Make sure you have a working CO alarm, test it regularly and always keep ventilation areas clear.
Use cooking and heating appliances only as intended, and never bring barbecues, camping stoves or outdoor heaters inside your campervan or motorhome. Never use cooking appliances as an alternative source of heating, and if you suspect carbon monoxide is present, get into fresh air straight away.
The symptoms of CO poisoning are often mistaken for other illnesses, like food poisoning, flu, a cold, or even a hangover.
Always be in the know when it comes to carbon monoxide poisoning and recognise the signs of CO poisoning:
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Headache
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Nausea
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Dizziness
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Breathlessness
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Collapse
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Loss of conciousness