Women rescued after gas fire in Worthing care home
JUST a day after a warning was issued about using gas appliances during the winter, a Worthing care home had to be evacuated after a blaze started in a gas fire.
JUST a day after a warning was issued about using gas appliances during the winter, a Worthing care home had to be evacuated after a blaze started in a gas fire. Four people were evacuated from the ground floor of Windsor Rest Home at 12.26am this morning (Thursday, October 30).
Two women from the two-storey residential property in Windsor Road were given first aid by West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (WSFRS) for smoke inhalation.
The blaze was extinguished by 12.53am.
Warning
The fire service has issued a warning to people to be careful when using gas stoves and heaters which can present problems, especially among the elderly.
A spokeswoman said: "As the days are drawing in, WSFRS is urging people to make sure family and friends are safe and to be aware of the dangers.
"If gas is turned on and forgotten about, a single spark can ignite the resulting leak, causing potentially devastating damage to homes and occupants, including the possibility of explosions and burns.
"This presents a bigger problem for some elderly residents or those who are ill as their sense of smell is diminished and they may not detect the distinctive smell as easily.
"If a room isn't properly ventilated – by windows or air vents – and gas is left on, it can quickly accumulate and fill a room."
Carbon monoxide
The fire service said the use of gas heaters and fires in many homes means carbon monoxide (CO) can present a real danger if they are not maintained properly.
Carbon monoxide, known as the silent killer, is invisible, odourless, and deadly.
The spokeswoman added: "Correct maintenance of boilers and heaters, and keeping chimneys clear, is imperative for safety in the home.
"Symptoms of poisoning include flu-like illness, headaches, drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and chest pains, all of which subside when away from the affected appliance.
"More severe symptoms can include seizures, unconsciousness and death."
CO alarms can be fitted to detect the gas and signs of faulty and potentially leaking goods include soot around the gas outlets, unusual condensation in rooms, and flames that should be crisp and blue turning yellow and 'lazy'.
It is recommended appliances are checked yearly and chimneys are swept by registered maintenance staff.
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