Northern Gas Networks (NGN) has launched its “Prepare today. Safer tomorrow” campaign to help customers across the North East, Yorkshire and northern Cumbria keep their homes safe, warm and everyday life running smoothly during the colder months.
A spokesperson said: “The campaign encourages people to take a few simple steps now to protect the everyday routines, people and moments that matter to them. Advice includes ensuring boilers and gas appliances are annually serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer, investing in a carbon monoxide alarm and testing it regularly, learning to recognise the possible signs of an unsafe appliance and knowing what to do if we smell gas or suspect carbon monoxide.”
They added: “During colder weather, we tend to keep our windows closed and use our heating more. That’s why Northern Gas Networks is reminding people to be aware and know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning which can be caused by faulty or poorly maintained appliances. They include headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness, collapse and loss of consciousness.”
The campaign will signpost people to a free resource hub with:
- practical gas and carbon monoxide safety advice and energy-saving tips,
- information about extra support available by joining the free Priority Services Register,
- information about how NGN invests in its network all year round to help keep gas flowing safely and reliably.
The campaign will also show customers how NGN works throughout the year to keep gas flowing safely and reliably, from investing in and maintaining its network to monitoring critical equipment and preparing its teams for the colder months.
Laura Ratcliffe, Head of Social Strategy, at Northern Gas Networks, said: “Winter can place extra pressure on households, but 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 went on: “We also want people to know that help is available. The free Priority Services Register provides extra support for customers who may need additional assistance, due to their medical or personal circumstances, if their gas supply is ever affected. As a Priority Services customer people can access our trusted community partners who can offer free support with energy efficiency and debt advice, income maximisation and local support services.”
Laura added: “Our ‘Prepare today. Safer tomorrow.’ campaign brings our advice and support together into one helpful place so people across the region can take practical steps to protect what matters to them – and see how we prepare for colder weather too.”
Simple steps for a safer winter
Northern Gas Networks is encouraging customers to:
- Look out for possible 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 Gas Safe registered engineer.
- Fit a carbon monoxide alarm, follow the manufacturer’s positioning instructions 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, in their phone.
If anyone smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide, they should get out into the fresh air and call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999.
Customers can find gas safety advice, energy-saving information and details of additional support on Northern Gas Networks’ website.
Customers who cannot sign-up online to the free Priority Services Register can also contact Northern Gas Networks’ Customer Care Team by emailing [email protected] or calling 0800 040 7766.
