Gas firm urges people to help keep their homes safe for winter
People in Northumberland are being urged to take a range of simple measures to keep their homes safe and warm as winter approaches.
Northern Gas Networks (NGN) has launched its ‘Prepare today. Safer tomorrow’ campaign – aimed at encouraging people to take simple steps now to protect themselves from emergencies.
The advice includes ensuring boilers and gas appliances have been annually serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer, investing in a carbon monoxide alarm, testing it regularly, and learning to recognise the signs of an unsafe appliance and knowing what to do is they smell gas or suspect carbon monoxide.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning which can be caused by faulty or poorly maintained appliances include headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness, collapse and loss of consciousness.
The campaign signposts people to free advice and energy-saving tips – and the extra support available by joining the free Priority Services Register.
Laura Ratcliffe, head of social strategy, at Northern Gas Networks, said: “A few simple checks can make a real difference.
“Getting your boiler and other gas appliances serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer, regularly testing your carbon monoxide alarm and knowing who to call if you smell gas or suspect carbon monoxide can help keep you and your home safe.”
She added: “Our free Priority Services Register provides extra support for customers who may need additional assistance, due to medical or personal circumstances.” Northern Gas Networks says customers should:
*Look out for signs of an unsafe appliance - including yellow or orange flames, soot, excessive condensation or a pilot light that keeps going out.
*Arrange an annual boiler and gas appliance service with a qualified engineer.
*Fit a carbon monoxide alarm and test it regularly.
*Learn the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and know what to do.
*Check whether they, or somebody they know, could benefit from joining the free Priority Services Register.
*Save the National Gas Emergency Service number, 0800 111 999.
If anyone smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide, get into fresh air and call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999.
Customers who cannot get advice or sign-up online to the Priority Services Register at https://www.northerngasnetworks.co.uk/ can email [email protected] or call 0800 040 7766.