Confirmed and suspected cases of carbon monoxide (CO) in Cumbria properties have increased by 61 per cent since 2021.

Northern Gas Networks (NGN), which deals with these cases, confirms more than 600 emergency visits have occurred in the past three years, following calls to the National Gas Emergency helpline.

NGN suggests this rise aligns with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and is urging residents to make sure that CO alarms are correctly installed on each floor and to prioritise annual checks on boilers and appliances.

Laura Ratcliffe, social strategy programme manager at NGN, said: "It’s worrying to see this latest data, which shows how many more cases of CO have been suspected or confirmed by our emergency engineers since the cost-of-living crisis hit in 2021."

She notes that stretched finances could be causing people to skimp on regular services of carbon-burning appliances and basic home safety, increasing the risk of CO incidents.

Ms Ratcliffe continued: "We understand that households are stretched financially, but ensuring your home is safe should be a priority."

She emphasises the importance of regular checks of CO alarms.

"By making basic safety checks part of your regular household chore routine, you will help to protect yourself and others from carbon monoxide.

"It could save your life."

Just last month, a fatal incident involved a gas BBQ used indoors.

With recent storms, NGN reported a spike in calls from people burning candles and using old gas appliances when power was down, which were not fit for purpose, leading to CO emissions.

Recent NGN research showed that 22 per cent of people in Cumbria do not have a CO alarm, while 19 per cent would ignore it if it went off.

Although 75 per cent of respondents would leave the property, only 66 per cent would call the emergency gas number.

If you suspect CO poisoning, immediately turn off suspected appliances, open windows and doors, leave the building, seek medical advice and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.

Signs of CO poisoning include headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness, collapse or loss of consciousness.