During the first half of January 2023 alone, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has attended several smoke and carbon monoxide alarm related incidents.

The Fire and Rescue Service is issuing a reminder on the importance of installing and regularly checking smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

The effects of carbon monoxide poisoning can often be overlooked or mistaken. The common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include dizziness, tiredness, headaches, nausea and generally feeling unwell. It is often mistaken for something else such as a hangover, a common cold, flu and now COVID-19. The elderly and the very young are particularly vulnerable.

Home Fire Safety and Station Manager, Wayne Thomas, said: “With the cost-of-living crisis affecting everyone, many people may have delayed servicing their gas appliances such, as boilers and gas fires, due to not having the financial means to have the work carried out.

"We strongly recommend that you maintain the servicing of appliances and make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector in your property, which is fitted following the manufacturer’s guidance.”

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service has been delivering home fire safety information checks for many years, as well as Safe and Well visits since 2018. A Safe and Well visit covers topics such as home security, falls prevention and tackling loneliness and isolation.

Should anyone have concerns regarding safety issues in their homes, a free Safe and Well visit can be arranged by calling 0800 169 1234 or visiting the fire service's website.