Gerald Jones MP is urging Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney residents to protect themselves against the deadly threat of Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning.

Recent research from the Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed! campaign found that 55.6% people in Wales and over 27 million people, across the UK, are still at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning as they do not have a CO alarm fitted in their home.

When it comes to safety, however, Britons are almost twice as likely to fit a smoke alarm (85 percent) than a life-saving carbon monoxide alarm (48 percent).

Carbon monoxide poisoning can often affect people before they become aware that they are unwell meaning that a CO alarm can be life-saving. Each year 50 people die from CO poisoning and another 4,000 are treated in hospital.

Local Labour MP Gerald Jones is supporting the ‘Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed!’ campaign to encourage local people, which this year has a very clear call to action in the form of a simple ABC checklist asking homeowners and tenants to ask themselves:

• Do you have an Alarm fitted?

• Has it been tested and are the Batteries working?

• Have you had an up to date gas Check?

The Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney MP, said:

“It is alarming that over half of homes in Wales are at risk of Carbon Monoxide poisoning as they don’t have a CO alarm fitted.

“I’m supporting the Co Be Alarmed! campaign because it’s really important that every homeowner and tenant in Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney is aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide and has a CO alarm.”

Lawrence Slade, Carbon Monoxide – Be Alarmed! spokesperson, said:

“This is a silent killer – you cannot see it, taste it or smell it. Protect yourself, and your family, by following the simple ABC checklist – Do you have an Alarm fitted? Have you tested it and are the Batteries working? Have you had an up to date gas Check?”