An important message from Wales & West Utilities – helping everyone stay gas safe this Christmas

As we approach the festive season, Wales and West Utilities want to help ensure everyone stays safe and warm in their homes this Christmas.

With people spending more time indoors over the next few weeks, it’s important to be aware of carbon monoxide (CO) risks and the everyday behaviours that can increase the chance of an incident in the home.

Last year’s data shows that CO incidents in homes were most often linked to cooking or using coals/charcoal indoors, burning incense, shisha use, and cooking with excessive grease or oil. That’s why we want to make sure everyone follows simple gas safety steps, including:

• Install an audible carbon monoxide alarm in every room with a gas appliance and test it regularly.
• Know the warning signs of carbon monoxide: gas appliances burning a floppy yellow, or orange flame instead of a crisp blue one; pilot lights that frequently blow out; increased condensation on windows; or soot or yellow staining around appliances.
• Be aware of CO poisoning symptoms, which can feel like the flu or food poisoning but without a high temperature.
• If your alarm sounds or you suspect CO, move outside into fresh air, leaving doors and windows open as you go, and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. In a medical emergency, call 999 straight away.
• Ensure all gas appliances are serviced and safety-checked annually by a Gas Safe Registered engineer. Renters should request a copy of the landlord’s Gas Safety Record.

Throughout the festive period, our engineers will continue to work around the clock to keep gas flowing safely and reliably to homes across the area.