UK gas networks are working with The Scouts to raise awareness of the ‘silent killer’

We’ve launched our new carbon monoxide (CO) awareness activities with The Scout Association to help educate young people about the dangers of the CO and how to keep themselves and their families safe from the ‘silent killer’.

A year into the three-year partnership, along with Northern Gas Networks, SGN, and Wales & West Utilities, we've launched the next set of activities for Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers, which are designed to help them to understand the signs of CO, the symptoms of CO poisoning, and what steps to take if they think the poisonous gas is present in their homes. The newest set of activities include useful camping recipes embedded with CO safety information, and a new mystery game where players must identify what the undetected danger is.

Carbon monoxide is known as the ‘silent killer’ because you can’t see, smell, taste touch or hear it and can kill very quickly without warning. The symptoms of CO poisoning are very similar to flu and can often be mistaken for the common cold. The partnership aims to give as many people as possible the knowledge they need to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.

Adding to the four activities which were created last year for Beavers (6-8 years) and Cubs (8-10 years), the six new activities are also suitable for Scouts (10-14 years), and Explorers (14-18 years).

Cubs can still earn their Cubs Home Safety Activity Badge through completing the activities, which has been sponsored by the gas networks, when learning how to prevent accidents in the home and gaining knowledge on what to do if they occur.

Through the partnership, training and guidance is also being provided for adult volunteers about CO safety, so they are better equipped to teach the young people in their groups, and to make sure everyone stays safe in meeting places and on camps.

Cadent's Head of Customer Vulnerability Delivery Phil Burrows, said: “We’re thrilled to be in our second year of partnership with Scouts to teach more young people across the UK about carbon monoxide. By partnering with The Scouts Association and sponsoring the Cubs Home Safety Activity Badge, we know these young members will be actively making sure their homes are safe from CO and any other potential dangers to gain their new badge.

“Most Scouts and Explorers take part in some form of camping but are unaware of the potential CO dangers whilst enjoying their expeditions. Our new activities will make sure they know not to put themselves at risk by doing things like cooking inside their tents.

“Our new activities also include instructions on how to maintain the audible CO alarm in your home, which is one of the simplest ways to keep your household safe. You should always make sure your CO alarm is batteries are tested regularly, and that the alarm is replaced if it comes to the end of its useable life.”

The Scout Association’s Head of Media Relations Simon Carter said: “Understanding the dangers of Carbon monoxide is important for everyone. The activities we have created use the expertise from the UK gas companies to embed this crucial safety message in a fun, engaging way that builds skills for life. The activities encourage young people to consider the dangers of Carbon Monoxide when cooking over a fire, or to use their detective skills to solve a mystery. Through this partnership, we can equip over 350,000 young people with important skills that may one day save a life.”

To view our GDN partner page on the Scouts website and take a look at our activities, please visit: www.scouts.org.uk/supporters/gas-distribution-network/