Yes, you’re right! Carbon monoxide can be produced by any fuel that doesn’t burn properly, not just gas. Any fuel source such as coal, oil, wood, petrol or barbeque charcoal can also produce it.

If you suspect carbon monoxide, or smell gas, go outside straight away and call 0800 111 999 – and one of our engineers will be with you shortly. Why not store this number in your phone? We hope you don’t need to use it, but you never know. In a medical emergency, call 999 immediately.

Yes, every year around 40 people die, 200 people are so affected they need to have a stay in hospital and 4,000 others need to have urgent medical attention as a result of CO poisoning. And these are only the ones that we know about. You can help to reduce these numbers by raising awareness of carbon monoxide safety among your family and friends.

Just wiping off the sooty marks will only hide the problem!

Every year you should get your appliances serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer - a list of Gas Safe registered engineers can be found on: www.gassaferegister.co.uk.

If you use solid fuel, make sure you get your chimneys and flues swept every year, too.

No, you can’t see, smell or taste carbon monoxide, which is why it’s so important to install an audible alarm, certified to British Standard BS EN 50292 (a colour-changing alarm won’t let you know about the dangers if you’re not looking at it or are asleep).