SPONSORED EDITORIAL

Keep your home safe this autumn?

Autumn will soon be in full swing, and it won't be long before the central heating is cranked up in many Kent homes. But as well as warming people up, the big switch-on could also bring with it a silent killer.

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas with no smell or taste. It is incredibly dangerous to anyone who inhales it.

It's estimated that more than 4,000 people in the UK attend A&E departments each year because of carbon monoxide poisoning, with at least 40 dying from it.

In the run up to the colder months, Kent-based estate and lettings agent Ward & Partners, part of the Arun Estates family of companies, is urging people in the county to be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide.

Where does carbon monoxide come from?

It is usually caused by poorly maintained household appliances that are not checked regularly, or have been incorrectly installed. It is produced by boilers, fireplaces, burning stoves, water heaters and charcoal grills that use fuels.

When those fuels do not burn properly, it releases carbon monoxide into our homes.

What can I do to check my home is safe?

Even if you do not have any appliances in your home that could cause carbon monoxide to leak, you should still make sure you have working smoke alarms on every floor of your property and test the batteries every couple of months.

If not already in place these can be bought from leading online retailers or visit your local fire station and pick one up for free.

What if I rent my home?

From October 2015 the law is changing; all UK landlords will be required to install working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in rented properties. This must be done at the beginning of the tenancy. Checks should be made during your tenancy.

Ward & Partners is at the forefront of ensuring the regulations are adhered to in all of its properties. Click here for more information and advice.

Gas Safety Week

This week is Gas Safety Week - a national campaign to raise awareness of safety in the UK's 23 million gas fuelled homes. Here's how to make sure where you live is as safe a houses this autumn.

Watch out for these potential warning signs in your home

• Black, sooty staining on or around an appliance.

• A yellow gas flame from gas appliances, rather than a blue flame - although this doesn't apply to fuel-effect, living-flame or decorative-flame gas fires.

• A lot of condensation on walls and windows.

• Smoke accumulating in rooms due to faulty flues.

• People, and even pets, living in the same house are displaying symptoms which could indicate poisoning. These include breathlessness, dizziness, visual problems and tiredness.
  

  A full list can be found here

• You're experiencing symptoms that improve when you're outside.

For more information, visit www.gassaferegister.co.uk