When your gas supply is interrupted, we know it can be a very stressful time. It can be even more challenging when you have young children.
Problems with your gas supply? You’re eligible to register for priority services
The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free service across England, Wales and Scotland that makes sure if there’s an interruption to the gas supply, those on the PSR can receive additional services whilst their gas is off. Having a child under the age of 5 living with you means to you can join the PSR.
If you do have concerns about your gas supply, it’s important to get a Gas Safe Registered engineer out as soon as possible.
What are the benefits of joining PSR?
Depending on your circumstances, being on the PSR gives you access to a variety of services, including:
- Providing you with alternative heating and cooking facilities should your gas supply be interrupted.
- A password facility to keep you safe on your doorstep, so you know the engineers visiting your home are genuine.
- A ‘Knock & Wait’ service, making home visits more convenient and easier, allowing you extra time to get to the door.
- Nominating someone to handle your bills or help in a power cut, on your behalf.
- You can ask to receive information in other formats, such as large print, audio CDs, Braille or an interpreting service (language and British Sign Language), if you or someone in your household is unable to communicate in English.
Who else can register?
Anyone who would benefit from priority support who:
- is living with a chronic medical condition, poor mobility or a disability
- is using medical equipment including oxygen concentrators
- has specific needs such as sight or hearing impairment
- is of pensionable age
How do I join?
You’ll only need to register once as your PSR information will be shared across all companies involved in delivering energy to your home, with your consent.
Gas safety: What you need to know about Carbon Monoxide
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas… the silent killer
You can’t see it. You can’t smell it. You can’t taste it. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous gas that is released when fossil fuels including gas, oil, coal or wood doesn't burn properly. This can happen when:
- a gas appliance has been fitted incorrectly
- a gas appliance has been poorly maintained
- A flue, chimney or vent is blocked
Breathing it in can make you unwell, and it can kill. If you suspect CO poisoning, you should call the National Gas Emergency Number - 0800 111 999*.
What are the symptoms of CO poisoning?
It’s worth remembering some symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to viral infections or tiredness, so try not to panic. However, call your doctor if you experience the following:
- Headaches
- Feeling sick
- Breathlessness
- Dizziness
- Collapse
- Loss of consciousness.
What are the signs to look for?
If you spot any of the signs below, it’s possible there’s a release of CO, so be safe rather than sorry.
- Gas flame appears ‘floppy’ and burns orange or yellow rather than mostly blue
- Pilot light frequently blows out
- There is soot or yellow-brown staining on or around an appliance
- You see or smell smoke or have excessive condensation in the room where you have a gas appliance.
- If you’re concerned about any of the above, call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999*
Ways to stay safe
Stay safe by having your appliances serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer and installing an audible Carbon Monoxide CO alarm.
If you spot any of the signs above call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999*
*All calls are recorded and may be monitored.
For more information on CO safety visit Project Shout at https://projectshout.com
