{"alias":"blogEntry","byline":"Nicola Hilliard, Creative Content Producer","standfirst":"It\u0027s Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week. Gas Distribution Networks has partnered up with Scouts to help teach everyone about carbon monoxide safety.\n\n\n\n","content":{"layouts":[{"type":"singleColumn","areas":[{"items":[{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Cp\u003EWe caught up with \u003Ca href=\u0022/supporters/gas-distribution-networks/\u0022 title=\u0022Gas Distribution Networks\u0022\u003EGas Distribution Networks\u003C/a\u003E and wanted to share top tips on how we can all stay safe at home.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EFour Gas Distribution Networks throughout England, Scotland and Wales help to manage the distribution of natural and green gas to homes and businesses. They make sure gas is delivered safely, reliably and efficiently.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe Gas Distribution Networks also provides the National Gas Emergency response. This means if you report a gas escape or gas emergency, either inside or outside your home, the Gas Distribution Networks\u2019 engineers provide a 24-hour help service, 365 days a year, to make the situation safe.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you think a gas appliance is leaking carbon monoxide, call the free National Gas Helpline immediately on 0800 111 999.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you\u0027re a British Sign Language (BSL) user, you can use \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.sgn.co.uk/signlive\u0022\u003ESignLive\u003C/a\u003E to contact the National Gas Emergency Service free of charge.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/ddsfdidy/marshmallows-being-toasted-on-a-fire.jpg","width":6827,"height":4551,"altText":"","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat\u003C/strong\u003E\u2019\u003Cstrong\u003Es carbon monoxide (CO)?\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022#\u0022 title=\u0022Carbon Monoxide\u0022\u003ECarbon monoxide (CO)\u003C/a\u003E is a poisonous gas that can make you seriously ill if you breathe it in. CO can be made by fires and appliances that burn gas, wood, oil or coal.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou can\u2019t see it, smell it, hear it or taste it, so you may not even know it\u0027s about until you have symptoms of CO poisoning.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhy are the Gas Distribution Network working with Scouts?\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe \u003Ca href=\u0022/supporters/gas-distribution-networks/\u0022 title=\u0022Gas Distribution Networks\u0022\u003EGas Distribution Networks\u2019\u003C/a\u003E partnership with Scouts aims to teach young people about the dangers of carbon monoxide.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOver 4,000 people visit hospital each year with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning. If it\u2019s not detected early enough, you can die from it. Therefore, it\u2019s very important we raise awareness of the dangers of CO and how to keep safe.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022/supporters/gas-distribution-networks/\u0022 title=\u0022Gas Distribution Networks\u0022\u003EGas Distribution Networks\u003C/a\u003E\u0026nbsp;want everyone to be able to recognise the signs and symptoms of CO poisoning, as well as know ways to prevent it.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETake a look at our \u003Ca href=\u0022/cubs/activity-badges/home-safety/\u0022 title=\u0022Home Safety\u0022\u003ECubs Home Safety Badge\u003C/a\u003E or \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/?name=gas%20distribution\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022?name=gas%20distribution\u0022\u003EGas Distribution Networks supported activities\u003C/a\u003E to learn about gas safety and CO in Scouts.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/13640/two-scouts-by-fire-jpg.jpg","width":3000,"height":2250,"altText":"Two Scouts sitting by a campfire.","caption":"","link":null},{"type":"Promo","cta":"Complete the carbon monoxide learning","body":"\u003Cp\u003EGas Safe Charity and Scouts have developed carbon monoxide training for volunteers, which you can find on the LMS. It only takes 20 minutes to complete.\u003C/p\u003E","link":{"name":null,"id":null,"url":"https://learn.scouts.org.uk/ilp/pages/description.jsf?menuId=1108#/users/@self/catalogues/1700/courses/8060805/description","newWindow":false,"target":null},"colour":"#003982","title":"Carbon monoxide awareness for Scouts","image":null,"imageFocus":"","imageId":0,"imageKey":"00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","imageCrop":"","gridType":"card","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat are the symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning?\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe six main symptoms of CO poisoning are:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eheadaches\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Enausea\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Edizziness\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ebreathlessness\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Ecollapse\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003Eloss of consciousness\u0026nbsp;\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThese symptoms often mistaken for other illnesses, such as food poisoning or flu.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EThe four key questions to check if it\u2019s CO poisoning symptoms\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThese four key questions can be remembered using the acronym \u2018COMA\u2019. The answers given for each question help raise or lower suspicion of CO poisoning.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThe questions are:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EC for Co-occupants:\u003C/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;Is anyone else in the property affected (including pets)? If you answer yes, this could increase suspicion of CO poisoning.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EO for Outdoors:\u003C/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;Do your symptoms improve when out of the house? If you answer yes, this could increase suspicion of CO poisoning.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EM for Maintenance:\u003C/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;Are heating and cooking appliances or equipment properly maintained? If you answer no, this could increase suspicion of CO poisoning.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EA for Alarm:\u003C/strong\u003E\u0026nbsp;Do you have a CO alarm? If you answer no, this could increase suspicion of CO poisoning.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETake a look at our \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.scouts.org.uk/activities/?name=first%20aid\u0022 data-anchor=\u0022?name=first%20aid\u0022\u003Efirst aid related activities\u003C/a\u003E and \u003Ca href=\u0022/staged-badges/emergency-aid/\u0022 title=\u0022Emergency Aid\u0022\u003EEmergency Aid badges\u003C/a\u003E to help young people learn what to do in an emergency.\u0026nbsp;\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/17305/dsc_5029_mmpmin.png","width":7360,"height":4912,"altText":"Two Scouts and their leader are at a big Scout event. They are stood around a BBQ eating, with the leader in the middle. There is lots cooking on the BBQ, including sausages and corn on the cob. One Scout is moving food around using tongs and the leader is smiling at him, looking very proud.","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat should I do if I suspect carbon monoxide poisoning?\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIf you think you might have CO poisoning, you must:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EStop using appliances you think might be making carbon monoxide (such as a boiler, cooker or heater) if you can\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EOpen any windows and doors to let fresh air in\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EGo outside\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EGet medical advice as soon as possible. Take a look at the NHS\u2019 guidance on carbon monoxide poisoning.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ERemain outside the affected building until you\u2019ve got advice\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EGet help from NHS 111 if you think you\u2019ve carbon monoxide poisoning. Call 111 or \u003Ca href=\u0022https://111.nhs.uk/\u0022\u003E\u003Cspan\u003Eget help from 111 online\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/a\u003E.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou must call 999 or go to A\u0026amp;E if you\u2019re finding it hard to breathe, you suddenly become confused or if someone loses consciousness.\u003C/p\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""},{"gridType":"gridImageBlock","gtmId":"","gtmClass":"","image":"/media/21258/a-volunteer-and-cub-both-wearing-hijabs-cooking-on-a-campfire.jpg","width":6000,"height":4000,"altText":"A Cub kneels by a campfire with a stick as a volunteer stands next to them.","caption":"","link":null},{"gridType":"RichTextBlock","content":"\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHow can I stay safe when camping and cooking outdoors?\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EWhen camping and cooking outdoors, or taking part in other activities, you may be doing something that potentially puts yourself and others at greater risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EHere are four top tips to help keep you safe:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Col\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EKeep cooking sources and areas ventilated:\u003C/strong\u003E Never use barbecues, camping stoves or portable heaters in enclosed spaces (such as tents, yurts, caravans or cabins) without proper ventilation. If you need a sheltered cooking area, consider an open sided gazebo, dining shelter or a marquee that has sufficient air circulation and ventilation.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EMaintain appliances and use for intended purpose: \u003C/strong\u003EAlways properly and regularly maintain appliances, and only use them for their intended purpose. Never use cooking appliances, such camping stoves, hot plates or barbecues, as heaters.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELeave barbecues outdoors: \u003C/strong\u003EBarbecues are still dangerous even once you\u2019ve finished cooking. Barbecues can give off CO even after they\u2019ve gone out. So, however tempting it might be, never move a barbecue indoors or into an enclosed space. CO can build up without you knowing, putting you and the people around you at risk.\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EKeep generators and engines ventilated:\u00A0\u003C/strong\u003ENever operate petrol or diesel powered generators and engines in enclosed spaces. Petrol or diesel powered engines and generators can produce CO when used in enclosed spaces without sufficient air supply and ventilation.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ol\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETake a look at our \u003Ca href=\u0022#\u0022 title=\u0022Carbon Monoxide\u0022\u003Egas safety advice for on camps and outdoor cooking\u003C/a\u003E.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EHow can I stay safe at home or at my Scout meeting place?\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt\u2019s also important that you keep yourself and others gas safe indoors, such as in your home or at a Scouts meeting place.\u00A0\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYou can help to keep yourself safe at home or indoors by:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EMaking sure all your gas appliances are checked every year by a qualified, Gas Safe engineer. If you\u2019re a tenant, this is your landlord\u2019s responsibility.\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EGetting an audible carbon monoxide alarm for each room of your home that contains appliances that burn gas, oil, coal or wood. It\u2019s very simple to do, and it might just save your life.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EGetting heating and cooking appliances properly installed and keep them well maintained.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EMaking sure your boiler is serviced regularly by a qualified, Gas Safe engineer.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EKeeping chimneys and flues clean and well maintained.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EWhat should I do if I suspect a gas leak?\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EIt\u2019s crucial to act quickly in a gas emergency. These are the steps you need to take, with a responsible adult if you\u2019re a young person, to stay safe:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFresh air: \u003C/strong\u003EGet fresh air immediately, which could be stepping outside or opening all doors and windows to ventilate the area.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ETurn off supplies:\u00A0\u003C/strong\u003ETurn off the gas emergency control valve (also called gas emergency shut off valve) at the meter. However, the meter is located in a basement or cellar or at the LPG bulk tank or storage vessels.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EReduce risks: \u003C/strong\u003EExtinguish all naked flames, such as candles, and don\u2019t smoke. Don\u2019t operate electrical switches, including turning light switches on or off, because this can ignite escaping gas.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EContact Gas Emergency Helpline: \u003C/strong\u003EContact the relevant \u003Ca href=\u0022https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/gas-emergency/what-to-do-in-a-gas-emergency/\u0022\u003ENational Gas Emergency service number\u003C/a\u003E for your area. In England, Wales and Scotland, call the free National Gas Helpline immediately on 0800 111 999. The service is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EFollow advice: \u003C/strong\u003EIf the attending emergency operative identifies an issue with any gas appliances, follow their advice concerning the use of the equipment. Where advised, contact a Gas Safe registered engineer to fix the appliance and check it\u2019s safe.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESeek medical assistance:\u00A0\u003C/strong\u003EIf you\u2019re feeling unwell, visit your GP or hospital immediately and let them know you may have been exposed to carbon monoxide.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EKeep supplies off until checked:\u00A0\u003C/strong\u003EDon\u2019t turn the gas supply on again until it\u2019s been checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer.\u00A0\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EThere are some signs that might indicate a gas leak. If you think a gas appliance is leaking carbon monoxide (CO), a responsible adult should check these signs of CO to look out for:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECheck the flame.\u003C/strong\u003E Flames on most heating appliances should be crisp and blue. If you notice yellow or orange coloured flames, they should be checked by a professional.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ESpot sooting and staining. \u003C/strong\u003EYou should look out for staining or discolouration on and around appliances. This could be a sign of CO.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ELook for excess condensation.\u003C/strong\u003E If you notice excess condensation in rooms with appliances, this could also be a sign of CO.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E","gtmId":"","gtmClass":""}]}],"config":null}]},"searchDescription":null,"pageType":null,"location":null,"versionDate":"14 November 2025","reviewDate":null,"furtherReading":[{"caption":"","title":"Carbon Monoxide Safety in Scouts","url":null,"newWindow":true},{"caption":"","title":"Find out more about gas safety","url":"https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/gas-emergency/","newWindow":true},{"caption":"","title":"What to do in a Gas Emergency","url":"https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/gas-emergency/","newWindow":true}],"relatedLinks":[{"caption":"","title":"Gas Distribution Networks","url":"/supporters/gas-distribution-networks/","newWindow":true},{"caption":"","title":"Complete the carbon monoxide awareness for Scouts learning","url":"https://learn.scouts.org.uk/ilp/pages/description.jsf?menuId=1108#/users/@self/catalogues/1700/courses/8060805/description","newWindow":false}],"id":77610,"nodeName":"How to stay safe from carbon monoxide with Gas Distribution Networks","title":"How to stay safe from carbon monoxide with Gas Distribution Networks","type":"blogEntry","image":{"url":"/media/ddsfdidy/marshmallows-being-toasted-on-a-fire.jpg?width=800\u0026height=450\u0026v=1daf23a07bf8d70","caption":"Marshmallows Being Toasted On A Fire","type":"jpg","size":10276250,"width":6827,"height":4551,"altText":""},"assets":null,"headerOptions":{"headerTitle":"How to stay safe from carbon monoxide with Gas Distribution Networks","headerSubTitle":null,"headerCta":null,"headerCtaText":null,"headerCtaLink":null,"headerBackgroundColour":null,"showSEOImage":false,"headerBackgroundImage":null,"quickLinks":null},"subHeader":"It\u0027s Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week. The Gas Distribution Network has partnered up with Scouts to help teach everyone how to stay safe.","browserTitle":null,"silktide":"eyJjbXMiOiJVbWJyYWNvIiwiZWRpdG9yVXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9wcm9kLWNtcy5zY291dHMub3JnLnVrLy91bWJyYWNvIy9jb250ZW50L2NvbnRlbnQvZWRpdC83NzYxMCJ9","canonicalUrl":"https://www.scouts.org.uk/news/2025/november/how-to-stay-safe-from-carbon-monoxide-with-gas-distribution-networks/"}