Introduction
When the power goes out, candles come out. Gas stoves are lit. Generators hum in the garden. And quietly, invisibly, one of the deadliest hazards in survival emerges: carbon monoxide (CO).
Nicknamed the "silent killer", CO has no smell, no taste, and no colour. In the UK, it causes over 50 deaths and 4,000 hospital visits each year — even without blackouts. During emergencies, the risks multiply.
That's why a carbon monoxide alarm isn't optional. It's survival gear.
What is Carbon Monoxide (CO)?
- Produced by burning fuels: gas, wood, coal, petrol, diesel.
- Builds up in poorly ventilated spaces.
- Invisible and odourless — you won't know until symptoms hit.
Symptoms of CO poisoning:
- Headaches, dizziness, nausea.
- Confusion, weakness.
- Loss of consciousness, death.
Why CO Risk Increases During Blackouts
- Portable stoves indoors: Cooking inside with gas or charcoal.
- Generators in garages/gardens: Exhaust fumes seep indoors.
- Open fires: Without proper ventilation.
- Improvised heating: People burn candles, coal, even BBQs indoors.
👉 During the UK's 2022 blackout scare, fire services warned of increased CO risks from generators and camping stoves.
The Case for a Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Affordable & Life-Saving
- Good alarms cost £15–30.
- Battery-powered models work during blackouts.
- Loud alarms wake you before CO symptoms knock you out.
Legal Requirements
In the UK, landlords are legally required to install CO alarms in rooms with solid fuel appliances.
For homeowners: strongly recommended in any property with gas boilers, fireplaces, or stoves.
Placement
- One alarm per floor.
- Place near bedrooms (so you're woken at night).
- Never inside bathrooms (steam can interfere).
Best Carbon Monoxide Alarms UK (2025 Picks)
1. FireAngel CO-9D
Digital display, 7-year sensor.
~£25
👉 Best all-rounder.
2. Kidde 7DCOC
Battery-operated, portable.
~£20
👉 Best budget option.
3. Nest Protect (CO + Smoke)
Smart alarm, app alerts.
~£90
👉 Best premium option.
How to Combine CO Alarms with Blackout Safety
- Pair with smoke alarms (many fires start during blackouts).
- Have battery lanterns instead of candles.
- Never run a generator indoors — keep it at least 6m away from the house.
Quick Checklist
- ☑ 1x CO alarm per floor.
- ☑ Test monthly.
- ☑ Replace after 7–10 years.
- ☑ Don't block ventilation in rooms with stoves.
Conclusion
When it comes to prepping, some gear is optional. A carbon monoxide alarm is not.
It's cheap, legal, life-saving, and especially vital if you plan to cook, heat, or power your home during blackouts.
Buy one, test it, and sleep knowing that if the "silent killer" comes, you'll hear it before it's too late.
Prepared, not paranoid.
👉 Supporting guide: Check our UK Emergency First Aid & Safety Guide for full safety coverage.