Exposing the silent killer: Cadent spreads lifesaving message with hard-hitting billboard campaign in carbon monoxide hotspot Birmingham

  • Cadent cracks down on the silent killer, carbon monoxide, with major new campaign urging people to get carbon monoxide alarms
  • Hard hitting posters going up on billboards in carbon monoxide hotspots including Birmingham
  • Accidental carbon monoxide poisoning kills approximately 40 people each year with many more hospitalisations  
Cadent is ramping up the war on the so called silent killer, carbon monoxide, with a hard-hitting new advertising campaign targeting billboards in carbon monoxide hotspots including Birmingham.
The new posters depict stark and haunting images of a body on the floor and urge people to install a carbon monoxide alarm and better educate themselves about the silent killer and visit www.cadentgas.com/co for more advice.
Hundreds of thousands of motorists will pass by the posters which will be up on 48 sheet billboards for six week periods this spring and summer.
The posters this month made their debut in Birmingham’s Kingstanding Road, where they will be up for an initial six weeks, before returning for a second run in July 2019.
Posters also recently went up in Manchester’s Chancellor Lane, Sheffield’s Tinsley Roundabout and Imperial Road in Fulham.
Each of the locations was selected due to them being hotspots for carbon monoxide related incidents with the following numbers of gas appliances (cookers, boilers, fires, etc) being condemned as being at risk or immediately dangerous: London 10,374, 4,549 across Manchester, 1015 in Sheffield and 4,000 in Birmingham. 
Accidental carbon monoxide poisoning currently kills around 40 people in the UK each year with many more people hospitalised.
However such tragedies can be avoided by taking simple steps.
Cadent’s Phil Burrows said:  “Carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal and every year we hear of tragedies that could easily have been avoided.
“We hope these posters will prompt people to think more about the dangers of carbon monoxide and to take some simple steps to protect themselves.”
He added: “Ensuring your gas appliances are checked by a qualified engineer each year, installing a carbon monoxide alarm and educating yourself about carbon monoxide, drastically reduces your chances of falling victim to the silent killer.”
Carbon monoxide is known as the silent killer and cannot be seen, smelt or heard.
The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be confused with flu or other illnesses with symptoms including headaches, nausea, breathlessness, dizziness, collapse and loss of consciousness.
Signs to look out for within properties include the following:
  • Gas appliances burning with orange or yellow flames instead of blue flames
  • Sooty stains on or near appliances
  • Pilot lights that frequently blow out
  • Increased condensation inside windows
If carbon monoxide is suspected all doors and windows in the property should be opened and people should move outside into the fresh air.
The Gas Emergency Service should be called on 0800 111 999* (Calls are recorded and may be monitored) and if someone has collapsed or is displaying severe symptoms medical help should be sought by calling 999 or 112.
For more information on carbon monoxide visit: 
https://cadentgas.com/emergencies/suspect-carbon-monoxide
http://www.carbonmonoxidesafety.org.uk/
https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/help-and-advice/carbon-monoxide-poisoning/
People are also reminded to get their gas appliances checked annually by a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer, to find a Gas Safe registered engineer visit www.gassaferegister.co.uk or call 0800 408 5500.
It’s also advisable to buy a carbon monoxide alarm for every room with a gas appliance. These cost approximately £15 and are available from retail outlets including supermarkets and DIY stores. It’s also advisable to take a small portable carbon monoxide alarm on holiday.
ENDS
 

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*

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*All calls are recorded and may be monitored.