Free carbon monoxide alarms
By Brendan Grehan
SOUTH Dublin County Council is introducing a new scheme to provide Carbon Monoxide alarms free to residents in the South Dublin County administrative area providing they meet certain criteria.
This scheme is specifically for residents living in the council’s catchment area and who are aged 55 years and over.
However, the scheme is also available to residents who are under the age of 55 if they are living alone or deemed vulnerable for the purpose of this scheme.
Carbon Monoxide (also known as CO) is a colourless, odourless poisonous gas and is a common yet preventable cause of death from poisoning worldwide. Carbon Monoxide has no smell, taste or colour.
This is why it is sometimes called the “Silent Killer”.
When inhaled, it prevents blood from absorbing oxygen.
It can be produced by any fuel when burned – coal, turf, oil, gas, wood.
Applicants must be living in privately owned accommodation in the council’s administrative area.
This scheme is not open to people living in rented accommodation (private or social). Two alarms will be available per household.
The alarms will be allocated on a first come first served basis. The scheme may close early if the quota is reached, with the intsallation of the alarms starting in October.
The closing date for applications is Thursday, August 23 2018, at 4pm.
People can apply online by visiting the council’s website – http://www.sdcc.ie or contact the Community Services Department on 414 9270 or email comdevof@sdublincoco.ie to be posted or emailed out an application form.
