The deadline for organisations to register their interest in becoming local partners for a national carbon monoxide awareness programme has been extended until the end of the month.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents and Gas Safe Charity are launching the 'Be Gas Safe' programme to raise awareness of the 'silent killer' and the steps that can be taken to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Rolling out across England this year, the programme will see 10,000 families receiving a free CO detector and many more receiving safety information.
Organisations that have regular and direct contact with key risk groups - particularly families with young children and older people - are being sought to become local partners to help deliver the programme. Priority will be given to organisations in areas where there has been a higher incidence of carbon monoxide poisoning per head of population or where particular concerns have been raised about gas safety, including Devon, Dorset, London, the North East, Staffordshire, the West Midlands and Yorkshire, although it is envisaged that schemes will also run in other areas.
RoSPA would like to hear from potential partner organisations interested in receiving:
· An invitation to a briefing event highlighting gas safety issues and outlining the Be Gas Safe programme.
· A briefing pack containing information about how to run a local Be Gas Safe programme.
· Up to 100 CO detectors for distribution to vulnerable clients.
· 1,000 I'm Staying Gas Safe leaflets.
More information and an application form are available to download from the Be Gas Safe website -
www.carbonmonoxidesafety.org.uk Completed forms must be submitted by January 31, 2012, although it would be helpful if interested organisations could make contact with RoSPA before then, by emailing
info@carbonmonoxidesafety.org.uk
Each year in England and Wales, there are around 50 accidental deaths, 200 non-fatal poisonings that require hospital admission and 4,000 visits to A&E that result from CO poisoning.
