Warning to skiers over carbon monoxide danger
Families are being warned of the danger of carbon monoxide in ski accommodation as they prepare to hit the slopes this half term.
The warning follows the recent case of the British family of nine who have instructed lawyers after being taken ill during a Christmas ski holiday.
As TravelMole reported last week, the family, including three young children, suffered carbon monoxide poisoning after a large amount of snow apparently blocked the air flow into their French chalet.
Kathy Atkinson, CEO of the Safer Tourism Foundation, said: "This case is far from unique. It is clearly disturbing, and is subject to legal proceedings, and as such we will not comment on the details of it.
"However, with thousands of families from the UK heading off to cold destinations for the half-term holidays, often on skiing holidays, there is an urgent need for effective, fully-functioning carbon monoxide detectors in all holiday accommodation with fuel burning appliances such as wood burning stoves.
"We would expect holiday companies and accommodation owners to provide monitors where there is a possible risk of carbon monoxide being present, but if anyone is worried there may not be one where they are staying they can buy a portable battery-operated carbon monoxide detector to take away for less than £15. It is also worth them asking their accommodation provider about this before travelling.
"Anyone buying a detector should ensure it meets the British Standard EN50291 and they should familiarise themselves with how to use the detector, such as where to position it.
"It is worth all travellers taking this easy and inexpensive extra step to provide additional reassurance and peace of mind. Don’t take any risks when it comes to your and your family’s health."
Lisa
Lisa joined Travel Weekly nearly 25 years ago as technology reporter and then sailed around the world for a couple of years as cruise correspondent, before becoming deputy editor. Now freelance, Lisa writes for various print and web publications, edits Corporate Traveller’s client magazine, Gateway, and works on the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife series of photography books, which raise awareness of nature’s most at-risk species and helps to fund their protection.
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