Carbon Monoxide alarms prevent holiday tragedy

How to protect against the risk of CO poisoning when abroad   

Chat date: 9th July

Chat time: 2.30pm

A third of vacationing Brits ensure that they take a box of tea bags with them on holiday, while just a scant 2% pack a potentially life-saving Carbon Monoxide alarm. This lack of foresight regarding holiday safety seems even more sobering when coupled with the fact that 85% of people fail to check on the gas safety of their hotel, apartment or villa prior to departure.

Research by CORGI, the national watchdog for gas safety in the UK, has brought the true extent of the problem to light. At its heart is the assumption by holidaymakers that it’s travel firms who bear the responsibility for making essential holiday safety precautions, and not they. However, the tragic deaths of young siblings Robert and Christianne Shepherd from a CO leak in their Corfu hotel two years ago serve as a stark warning that making provisions for safety abroad is ultimately down to holidaymakers themselves.

CO alarms are portable and inexpensive, and are as easy to install in holiday accommodation as they are to slip into a suitcase. To explain the benefits of  CO alarms and discuss gas safety on holiday, we are hosting a live webchat with CORGI’s Sarah Hill. Sarah will be offering information and advice on the ins and outs of obtaining and installing the life saving gadgets.

You’ll also be able to hear from travel journalist Russell Amerasekera, who’ll be on hand to offer further discussion of other issues around holiday safety.

Sarah Hill from CORGI, the national watchdog for gas safety in the UK, and travel journalist Russell Amerasekera joins us live online on the 9th July at 2.30pm to discuss Carbon Monoxide alarms and holiday safety