Only one in ten ski chalets in Europe has a carbon monoxide alarm

Just 10% of the ski chalets and apartments advertised on peer-to-peer rental sites have a carbon monoxide alarm listed.  

Safer Tourism says packing a carbon monoxide alarm is “a must” for winter holidaymakers to wipe out the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

While people know the risks they face on the slopes, most won’t be aware of the potential threat to life that could be lurking under the roof of their mountain-side accommodation.

Exclusive research carried out by the Safer Tourism Foundation reveals that just one in ten ski chalets and apartments listed on peer-to-peer rental sites has a carbon monoxide alarm installed that would alert holidaymakers to the colourless, odourless gas that kills 60 UK residents a year.

Carbon monoxide – the silent killer – caused by incorrectly installed or poorly maintained fires and heating appliances, delivers a potentially lethal impact for anyone who inhales it. Blocked flues and chimneys, which can happen as a result of heavy snowfall, can stop carbon monoxide gas escaping, and this toxic gas can even seep in from neighbouring properties.

Pack an effective carbon monoxide alarm

Carbon monoxide alarms save lives.  Families of people who have died from carbon monoxide poisoning say packing a carbon monoxide alarm is a must, whenever you are staying away from home.

That is why Safer Tourism Foundation has joined forces with specialist safety equipment retailer Safelincs to provide kitemarked, approved and tested carbon monoxide alarms to travellers, tourists and holidaymakers, at a discounted price.

Alarms are now available here and you can use discount code SAFETOUR for an additional 10% saving.  A donation from the sale of the alarm is made to help fund Safer Tourism’s work to raise awareness of this deadly gas.

Safer Tourism Foundation’s Chief Executive, Katherine Atkinson, says:

“Despite the tremendous efforts of some listing sites to encourage holiday homeowners to provide a safer experience for guests, our research shows only one in ten ski chalet and apartments at ski resorts across Europe has a carbon monoxide alarm shown in their listing”.

Katherine continues: “We are calling for winter holidaymakers to improve landlords’ and hosts’ approach to carbon monoxide by asking about the risks at the property:  Is there is an alarm? When were the appliances last serviced?  Customer demand is a potent force in raising awareness of this important issue and in helping to drive up standards”.

Katherine adds:  “But for total peace of mind, I urge the thousands of families who, like mine, are preparing to hit the slopes for the half-term holiday, to pack a portable carbon monoxide alarm alongside the lip salve, sunscreen and first aid kit.  It is the only proven method to keep your family safe from toxic gas”.

Recognising the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning on holiday

Carbon monoxide poisoning can feel like flu but without the fever.  The six main symptoms are headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness, collapse and loss of consciousness.

Dealing with carbon monoxide poisoning

If you or anyone with you show signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, or if your detector alarm sounds, you should

• Go outside into the fresh air immediately.
• Ask for medical support, tell whoever treats you that you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning and ask for a proper diagnosis.
• Service the appliances.  If your tests confirm carbon monoxide poisoning tell the people who are responsible for your accommodation straight away so they can carry out the necessary repairs and testing.

Safer Tourism Foundation has joined forces with specialist safety equipment retailer Safelincs to provide kitemarked, approved and test carbon monoxide detectors to holidaymakers, at a discounted price.  Alarms are now available here and you can use discount code SAFETOUR for an additional 10% saving.

ends

Notes to editors

The research is Safer Tourism’s own, based on holiday properties available for two adults and two children in popular winter sports holiday locations, aggregated with industry data supplied exclusively to Safer Tourism.

Safer Tourism Foundation has joined forces with Safelincs to provide a range of alarms suitable for holiday property landlords. Use the promotional code SAFETOUR for a 10% discount. £1 from the sale of each alarm is donated to the Safer Tourism Foundation.

Alarms are available via  https://safertourism.org.uk/2019/11/19/kitemarked-approved-and-tested-carbon-