Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that the human senses won't detect.

The only way to detect CO is with a carbon monoxide alarm.

It comes from appliances in the home that work on fuels such as gas, wood, oil, coal or other solid fuel.

Carbon monoxide can cause death and even small amounts can damage your health.

Here's five steps to improve your safety:

1. Fit an audible alarm
2. Have your appliances checked regularly
3. Don't block ventilation
4. Know the signs around your appliances
5. Learn to recognise the symptoms

A leaflet produced by the Department of Health 'Carbon monoxide - Are you at risk?' can be found by clicking CO - Are you at risk (pdf opens a new window).