Tyrone Woman In Carbon Monoxide Scare

A County Tyrone woman in her 60s is recovering from a case of carbon monoxide poising at her home in Strabane.

The woman was found by her daughter unconscious inside her home at St John’s Place on Saturday evening.

Fire crews treated her with oxygen.

The woman has not yet been named, as the family are not speaking publicly on the incident, but they are reported to have openly advised other people to be aware of the effects and causes of carbon monoxide poisoning.

When firefighters arrived at the woman’s house, they wore breathing apparatuses in order that they could check the rest of the property. They found low levels of the gas inside the house.

Fire crew ventilated the house and searched neighbours’ properties as a precaution.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has urged the public to be aware of the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning, such as headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, nausea, pains in the chest or stomach, erratic behaviour and visual problems.

HSE says anyone who suspects a carbon monoxide leak should call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999, switch off the applicance and open all doors and windows to ventilate the room.

Precautions people can take against the risk of a leak include having chimneys swept regularly and having all appliances checked that burn oil, gas, coal, turf or wood.

(IT)