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Festive Fire Warning for
North West
MORE gas related fires happen on
Christmas Day than any other, but as 21% of households in the North West have
not had their gas appliances legally checked over 2016, thousands of people in
the region could be living with dangerous gas appliances.
According to 5 years worth of data from the Gas Safe Register and Fire and
Rescue Service, Christmas is the most dangerous time of the year when it comes
to gas safety in the UK.
More fires in households with gas appliances take place on Christmas day than
any other day of the year, and Gas Safe Register's investigation team find a
higher proportion of dangerous gas appliances in December that any other month.
A total of 17% of UK boilers, fires and cookers investigated in December, over
the last 5 years have been found to be unsafe.
While the majority of festive revellers in the North West prioritise buying
(69%) and wrapping (37%) presents, only 6% of adults in the region put gas
appliance safety checks on their December to do list, in the run up to Christmas.
In fact, almost 3 times as many people (14%) prioritise watching their favourite
Christmas film over making sure that they and their families are gas safe at
Christmas.
People in the North West were most concerned about getting flu (25%), when asked
about their top seasonal concerns. 24% were worried about the boiler or gas fire
breaking down; the 2nd highest concern for people in the region, while 21%
were concerned about putting on weight.
Jonathan Samuel, chief executive at Gas Safe Register, said:-
"Although Christmas is a very busy time of year, it is really important your gas
appliances have been checked and are running safely. With our data showing that
December can be dangerous for homeowners, Gas Safe Register is reminding people
in the North West to get their annual gas safety checks in the diary so this
Christmas is a safe and enjoyable time."
GAS SAFETY - FIRE PREVENTION TIPS
To stay gas safe this festive season, follow these top 5 Gas Safe Register's
top tips:-
1. Only employ a legal Gas Safe registered engineer when having gas work carried
out in your home. You can find a registered engineer in your area by calling Gas
Safe Register on 0800 408 5500 or by visiting:-
GasSafeRegister.Co.UK.
2. 'Trust the Triangle' and always ask to see your engineer's Gas Safe ID
card. Make sure you check the back of the card, which will state which gas
appliances they are qualified to work on.
3. Sign up for a reminder service to make sure your gas appliances are checked
annually:-
StayGasSafe.Co.UK.
4. Speak to your energy supplier to see if they can provide a free gas safety
check.
5. If you smell gas or think there might be a gas leak, call the free 24 hour
national gas emergency number, immediately on:- 0800 111 999.
To find out more about the dangers posed by unsafe gas appliances in your area
visit the Stay Gas Safe
website, and to find a Gas
Safe registered engineer call:- 0800 408 5500 or visit:-
GasSafeRegister.Co.UK.
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