SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan is urging people in L'Derry and throughout the North to be 'carbon monoxide safe' this winter, as families start switching on their boilers as the colder weather approaches.

Members of the public are being strongly encouraged to take appropriate steps to ensure their homes are properly protected against the threat of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

Mr Durkan is calling upon all householders to have their boiler serviced by a certified technician every 12 months and install an audible carbon monoxide alarm in their homes to ensure that families are protected from potential leaks of the lethal gas.

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Last year in the UK over two dozen people died from CO poisoning, with many hundreds more being admitted to hospital with symptoms attributed to carbon monoxide.

Northern Ireland has suffered particularly badly, from July 2010 to June 2011, with two incidents in County L'Derry and County Fermanagh claiming two and three lives respectively.

The colourless, odourless gas – often dubbed the ‘Silent Killer’ – can kill quickly if inhaled in high concentrations. The symptoms of poisoning are similar to flu or food poisoning, and include headaches, nausea and dizziness.

Mr Durkan's call is part of a new UK-wide campaign urging people to be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning this winter. He said: "It is absolutely vital that people understand the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and, most importantly, how we can all protect our homes and families from the threat.

"The message is simple – get your boiler serviced and get an audible carbon monoxide alarm. These cheap, simple steps could be the difference between your family’s safety, and tragedy. Far too many people die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning – and we must do all we can to stop these heart-breaking and unnecessary deaths."

(CD)