Nearly eight million older people could be at risk from unsafe gas appliances in the UK as Gas Safe Register reveals that three quarters (79%) of people in the South West have never discussed gas safety with older family members.

Therefore, during this year’s Gas Safety Week (September 19 to 25), Gas Safe Register is urging friends and family to help older people avoid gas dangers in their homes.

Watch manager, Katie Hoskins-Sweeney, from Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service’s Fire Prevention and Road Safety team, said: ’We cannot emphasise the importance of gas safety enough. It is essential that people take the time to get their gas appliances properly serviced and install carbon monoxide detectors to protect themselves from the potentially fatal consequences of carbon monoxide poisoning.’

To find out about dangers in your area visit www.StayGasSafe.co.uk and to find a Gas Safe registered engineer call 0800 408 5500 or visit www.GasSafeRegister.co.uk.