Cold weather has arrived and the heating season has begun. The danger of carbon monoxide poisoning cannot be emphasized often enough.
Poisoning incidents and tragedies can be prevented!
Apply for a free carbon monoxide detector from the Municipality of Józsefváros (Józsefvárosi Önkormányzat).
What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, toxic gas that is slightly lighter than air and is produced during incomplete combustion. When inhaled, it prevents the blood from transporting oxygen.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is difficult to detect, as its symptoms — such as feeling unwell, dizziness, headache, nausea, and fatigue — can easily be mistaken for other illnesses. At high concentrations, carbon monoxide can cause loss of consciousness and even death within minutes.
The number of carbon monoxide poisoning cases increases during the winter period (which is why many people mistakenly associate it only with the heating season, even though it is a year-round hazard).
What should you do in an emergency?
If you notice symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning in yourself or others in the same household, leave the building immediately to get fresh air and dial the free emergency number 112.
How can accidents be prevented?
Proper installation, maintenance, and replacement of heating and hot water appliances are the most reliable ways to prevent accidents.
Always entrust planning, installation, and commissioning to a qualified professional.
In Hungary, more and more households are using carbon monoxide detectors. According to disaster management data, no fatal accidents have occurred in recent years in homes where detectors were installed.
Who can apply for a detector?
A carbon monoxide detector can be requested by anyone who operates an open-flue gas appliance in their home (such as a gas boiler, water heater, boiler tank, or furnace connected to a chimney), and whose household’s monthly income per person does not exceed HUF 85,500, or HUF 99,750 in the case of a single-person household.
One detector per household can be requested free of charge from the Municipality of Józsefváros.
Details about the application process and administration can be found here.
Questions? We’re here to help:
📧 szocialis@jozsefvaros.hu
📞 +36 20 539 0533
📞 +36 20 433 9100
Would you prefer to ask your questions in person?
Please contact the staff of the Social Support Office with confidence.