Test CO alarms regularly – what does that mean?

YOU’VE probably heard this saying often enough (and more likely than not from James the Sweep, Master Sweep for Tunbridge Wells!).

“Make sure you buy a carbon monoxide alarm and then test it regularly.”

Oh right, you may think, and then put it down on the list of Things To Do.

But what does that actually mean? It’s easy to hear these things and to not really take them on board.

It really means three things: [1] Make sure you buy an efficient carbon monoxide detector. It should be a standard to EN 50291 from a reputable supplier. You can expect to pay about 20 pounds for a good detector. [2] Follow the manufacturer’s instructions by checking the alarm is working once per week. ‘Test it Tuesday’ is a handy way to remember to test the alarm every Tuesday! [3] Don’t just have a CO alarm at home. Also have a portable CO alarm which you can take with you on holiday – to keep you safe if you are camping or on a canal boat, or similar.

Carbon monoxide is an invisible danger wherever a solid fuel is being burnt and it makes sense to always be monitoring the situation, so that you will be fully aware of any poisoning threat. Medical professionals even find it hard to diagnose CO poisoning as the initial symptoms can be like having a cold or the flu. So please be active yourself in making sure this gas does not cause harm to you and your loved ones.

Of course there’s an even more important point: don’t just rely on your CO alarm. Carbon monoxide is difficult to detect, it doesn’t smell and it can kill you in no time at all. The best way to combat this evil gas, which is produced as a result of an indoor fire, is to prevent it causing harm in the first place. That means, very simply, booking your regular chimney sweep with James the Sweep. A clean chimney means a CO-free chimney. Remember that James covers the wider Kent and East Sussex area including Maidstone, T Wells, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, Hadlow, Paddock Wood, Pembury, Southborough, Crowborough and Hildenborough.