Keeping you safe, warm and connected in winter

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Preparing your home for winter may not be something you’ve traditionally done every year, but it plays a vital role in keeping you safe, warm and connected in the winter months. We have plenty of information available to help you enjoy a warm and wonderful winter.

As temperatures drop, frost sets in and we spend much more time with the heating on, being prepared for winter in the home is vital, especially when it comes to gas safety. Our Winter Preparedness Guide gives you some important tips to help you ensure you’re ready for the cold weather, helping you to keep your heating working and making sure your utility bills don’t run away from you. However, there are certain things that are important to remember to help keep you safe. Here are some of our top winter home safety tips.

Home safety: important information

Prepare your home and get your gas appliances checked

Get your gas boiler and appliances serviced by a Gas Safe Registered Engineer. You can find one at www.gassaferegister.co.uk or call 0800 408 5500. Having your boiler and gas appliances serviced on an annual basis is the best way to avoid potential problems arising. A Gas Safe Registered Engineer will carry out a service on your boiler and appliances to help spot any small issues before they become bigger problems. If you are having problems with your boiler then our FAQs will help. Please do not attempt to service appliances yourself as this puts yourself, your family and neighbours at risk.

Be carbon monoxide aware

Known as a ‘silent killer’, the dangers of carbon monoxide are well publicised, and with more time spent at home with less ventilation in the winter, it’s important to remain extra vigilant at this time of year. It is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas, so it’s difficult to detect. Make sure you fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm, test it regularly and check the expiry date. Read more about staying safe in your home here

Check any existing pipe insulation and avoid a frozen gas pipe

Make sure your external pipework is in good condition to protect the pipes from freezing in cold weather. A frozen boiler condensate pipe can stop your boiler working and potentially leave you without heating, cold water and unable to cook. Our guide to what to do if your boiler stops working will help you troubleshoot any problems. As always, find a Gas Safe Registered Engineer online or by calling 0800 408 5500 as soon as possible if you have any concerns.

Being energy efficient at home

Make your home as energy efficient as possible by following some simple tips.

Keep your eyes on the forecast

Keep an eye on the weather forecast as changes in weather can impact people in many ways. Make sure you are prepared for ice, snow, storms or flooding in your area. You can also read our top tips to staying well this winter. If your boiler stops working in the cold weather it could be a frozen condensate pipe; in this situaiton there are some simple and safe boiler troubleshooting tips you can try at home.

Look out for family and friends that need extra support

Please take a minute to check on your neighbours. Can you help carry out some basic checks for them?

Join the Priority Services Register (PSR)

The PSR helps gas and electricity companies look after customers who have additional communication, access or safety needs. In an emergency, they will provide temporary cooking and heating appliances and warm blankets to those who are on the register. Click here to register and make sure you and your loved ones get the extra services you need this winter.

We also offer a free locking cooker valve fitting service to our customers. This enables a caregiver to control the gas to the cooker, to prevent any issues caused by accidentally leaving gas on.

Reach the right service faster and get your gas issue solved

Gas meter issues? Call your gas supplier - their number can be found at the top of your energy bill. If you have an annual care plan with your gas supplier they will fix any problems you might have with your gas appliances and pipework. Unsure of your supplier? Find out via the Find my supplier online tool.
Gas appliance and boiler problems? Call the Gas Safe Register on 0800 408 5500 or visit their website to find a Gas Safe Registered engineer.
Smell gas? Call the Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999*. If you smell gas, open doors and windows, turn off gas at the meter (unless the meter is in a cellar). and don’t use electric switches and extinguish naked flames. Call the gas emergency number immediately.
Power cut? Call 105.

Know your free emergency numbers and have them handy.

*All calls are recorded and may be monitored.