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Carbon monoxide awareness scheme targets Cornwall caravan sites

Smoke alarms and CO monitors save lives

by Tom Lowenstein

A new initiative in Cornwall is aiming to raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning among owners of caravan and camping sites in the region.

Following two incidents in Cornwall last year that resulted in campers being taken to hospital suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning, Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) are leading the ‘CO Aware’ campaign to raise awareness of the potentially deadly consequences.

Having joined forces with Bodmin-based Hentland Fire & Security and the Carbon Monoxide Awareness charity, the CFRS are to distribute posters and leaflets to caravan and camp sites.

Commenting on the new campaign, Mark Pratten, crew manager at CFRS’s Prevention Team, said: “CO poisoning can have tragic results. This is a great opportunity for local camping and caravan site owners across Cornwall to help us pass on this very important safety message.”

Mr Pratten added that caravan parks on the register will be able to take CO detectors on trial to loan to their visitors.

One of the incidents last year that prompted the new CO Aware campaign involved a group of three people who suffered carbon monoxide poisoning after they took a smouldering barbeque into their tent.