This Holiday Essential Could Save Your Life!

When we’re packing for a summer holiday, most of us remember the essentials — sunglasses, sun cream, sandals, and maybe a good book. But there’s one lifesaving item that often gets overlooked: a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm.

While carbon monoxide risks are often associated with winter heating, it’s just as much of a threat during summer breaks — especially when staying in holiday cottages, caravans, boats, or anywhere with gas appliances, BBQs, portable heaters, or open fires.

Each year in the UK alone, over 200 people are hospitalised with suspected carbon monoxide poisoning, which leads to around 60 deaths!

Why Is Carbon Monoxide a Risk in Summer?

Carbon monoxide is a deadly, invisible, and odourless gas produced by the incomplete burning of fuels like gas, coal, oil, and wood. In summer, risks can increase in places such as:

• Holiday cottages or lodges with old gas boilers, wood-burning stoves, or open fires
• Static caravans and campervans fitted with gas cookers, heaters, or fridges
• Boats with gas appliances or petrol-powered engines
• Tents and awnings where BBQs or portable heaters are used too close to enclosed spaces (never recommended)

Without proper ventilation, maintenance, and protection, these environments can quickly become dangerous.

Why a Carbon Monoxide Alarm Should Be in Your Holiday Bag

• Portable and easy to use
  Modern CO alarms are lightweight, battery-powered, and compact — ideal for packing into your suitcase, campervan, or boat.
• Holiday lets aren’t always compliant
  While UK law requires working CO alarms in some properties, not every holiday home or rental abroad will have them installed or properly maintained.
• Gas BBQs and portable stoves can be lethal indoors
  Even on a rainy evening or windy night, never bring a BBQ or camping stove inside a tent or enclosed space. If you do have one running under cover or in a caravan awning, a CO alarm could save your life.
• Peace of mind for your family
  A CO alarm offers reassurance when you're away from home comforts and routines, especially with children or elderly family members in tow.
   

Top Summer Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips

✔️ Pack a portable, battery-powered CO alarm for every holiday trip
✔️ Test alarms before you leave and check expiry dates
✔️ Never use BBQs, stoves, or portable heaters inside tents, awnings, or caravans
✔️ Ensure holiday lets, caravans, or boats have working CO alarms installed — if not, use your own
✔️ Keep vents clear and windows open when using gas appliances
✔️ Book annual servicing for your caravan or boat gas appliances

How to spot the symptoms of CO Poisoning

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be subtle and are often mistaken for common illnesses like the flu. Key symptoms include:

• Tension-type headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Breathlessness
• Collapse
• Loss of consciousness

For more detailed information, you can visit the NHS website.

If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds or you suspect CO poisoning, think GAS:

G – go outside into the fresh air immediately.

A – ask for medical support and tell whoever treats you that you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning and ask for a proper diagnosis.

S – service the appliances. If your tests confirm carbon monoxide poisoning tell the people who are responsible for your accommodation straight away.

Choose the Right CO Alarm

At National Chimney Supplies, we recommend reliable, HETAS-approved carbon monoxide alarms such as:

FireAngel 10-Year Sealed Battery CO Alarm

• Compact, portable design
• Ideal for travel and home use
• No battery changes needed

A small, affordable device that can make a huge difference and is in stock and available to buy now.

It might not be the most glamorous item in your suitcase, but a carbon monoxide alarm is one of the most important. Whether you’re off to a holiday cottage, a caravan site, or a boating weekend, don’t leave home without it.

Stay safe, stay protected, and enjoy your summer holiday with complete peace of mind.