RESIDENTS have been urged to check they have a carbon monoxide (CO) alarm installed in their home.

The warning comes as a new survey reveals households in Lancashire are unaware of carbon monoxide poisoning dangers.

Over half of homeowners questioned (52 per cent) admitted they do not have a CO alarm and, according to a survey from OFTEC, the trade body for the oil heating industry

While 60 per cent said they would not recognise headaches, nausea and breathlessness as the key warning signs of potential poisoning, confusing the symptoms with a panic attack or flu.

Malcolm Farrow, from OFTEC, said: "Most people wouldn’t think twice about having a smoke alarm installed and households need to take the same approach when it comes to carbon monoxide, especially as the symptoms of potential poisoning can be hard to detect.”