Householders warned of carbon monoxide poisoning

The occupant of a house called the service after her carbon monoxide alarm went off. 

Soon after arriving they discovered that leaking fumes from an oil-fired cooker, because of the high winds at the time, caused this. 

The woman was unharmed but the rescue services are stressing the importance of having any carbon-burning appliances regularly checked by a qualified service engineer. 

These can include things like oil boilers, gas appliances, cookers and fireplaces. 

The gas has no smell or taste and in large quantities can kill. In Northern Ireland alone, half a dozen people have died of carbon monoxide poisoning in their own home over the past couple of years. 

The Fire and Rescue Service urges anyone who feels they may be affected by carbon monoxide poisoning to open the windows and get into fresh air immediately.  

If the symptoms are serious go straight to the accident and emergency department at Noble’s Hospital.