How can I make sure my family is safe during the winter?

Below are some top tips to make sure your home is safe during the colder months.

Check your appliances for warning signs that they are not working properly - floppy yellow or orange flame on your gas hob, rather than a crisp blue flame. Dark, sooty staining on or around your gas appliances. Increased condensation inside windows. The boiler pilot light keeps going out.

Make sure you have a carbon monoxide alarm fitted.

Know the six signs of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning – headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, nausea, collapsing and loss of consciousness.

Keep on top of your services and ensure your appliances are serviced annually.

Make sure all work to your gas appliances is carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. We only use a Gas Safe registered engineers to fix, repair, service and install your gas appliance, so make sure you check their ID to confirm they’re qualified.

Keep vents and chimneys clear.

Use gas appliances only for their intended uses.

Use draught excluders on windows and doors to prevent heat escaping. Close curtains at dusk for extra insulation.

Never use portable gas or paraffin heaters indoors due to risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

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