UK gas networks partner with Scouts to raise awareness of carbon monoxide

safety

We have partnered with The Scout Association to help educate young people about the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO), and how to keep themselves and their families safe from the ‘silent killer’.
 
Over the coming three years, Cadent along with the other UK gas companies Northern Gas Networks, SGN and Wales and West Utilities will be working with Scouts to launch activities for all age groups between 6–18-year-olds, helping 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.
 
Carbon monoxide is known as the ‘silent killer’ because you can’t see, smell, taste 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.
 
Carbon-Monoxide-Safety-Cubs-Home-Safety.pngFour activities have already been created for Beavers (6-8 years) and Cubs (8-10 years), and plans are already in the pipeline for Scouts (10-14 years), and Explorers (14-18 years). Cubs will now be able to earn their Cubs Home Safety Activity Badge, 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 will be 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 Social Programme Delivery Phil Burrows said: “We’re thrilled to be working 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.
 
Throughout the partnership, we’ll be launching more activities for Beavers and Cubs, as well as activities for Scouts and Explorers, meaning we can reach even more young people and their families and give them the knowledge they need to stay safe in their homes all year round. Activities will 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 alarms batteries are tested regularly, and that the alarm is replaced if it comes to the end of its useable life.”


Simon Carter form the Scouts said “Carbon monoxide safety is something everyone should know something about.  The expertise that the UK gas companies have fed in to the programme activities that we have developed in partnership with them means we’ve been able to create something that’s fun to use, engaging and potentially life-saving. Through this partnership, we can equip over 350,000 young people with important skills that may one day save a life.”
 
Scouting actively engages and supports young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.
 
View our GDN partner page on the Scouts website https://www.scouts.org.uk/supporters/gas-distribution-network/
 

Cadent

Cadent is the UK’s largest gas distribution network with a 200-year legacy.  We are in a unique position to build on strong foundations whilst encouraging the curiosity to think differently and the courage to embrace change.  Day to day we continue to operate, maintain and innovate the UK’s largest gas network, transporting gas safely and protecting people in an emergency.   Our skilled engineers and specialists remain committed to the communities we serve, working day and night to ensure gas reaches 11 million homes from Cumbria to North London and the Welsh Borders to East Anglia, to keep your energy flowing. 

Future of Gas: Here at Cadent we support the Government’s plans to reach Net Zero by 2050. That means we’re backing the introduction of hydrogen as a low carbon alternative to natural gas for the future. We know people love the controllability of gas and, with our network already in place, it makes sense to switch to the lower carbon alternative offered by hydrogen, which we believe can keep homes and businesses warm for generations to come.

Cadent manages the national gas emergency service free phone line on behalf of the gas industry - 0800 111 999*

Cadent Gas Ltd is owned by a consortium of global investors.

*All calls are recorded and may be monitored.

Media contacts

Kevin Hegarty

kevin.hegarty@cadentgas.com

07970 694897