Keeping neighborhoods safe from gas leaks
It has now been nearly six months since the beginning of the national lockdown in March. Over this period of time there has been, undoubtedly, an increase in connectedness amongst our neighbourhoods and communities – from joining new local social media groups to helping out neighbours with everyday tasks and chores.
These new connections can be used to share knowledge and information, to keep yourself and your neighbours safe and well.
Crimestoppers, and the Stay Energy Safe Service, are partnering with Gas Safe Register to support this year’s Gas Safety Week, now in its tenth year, which will be running from Monday 14th to Sunday 20th September.
For this year’s campaign, Gas Safe Register is warning communities across the country of the dangerous ‘ripple effect’ that one innocent gas safety slip can have on a wider neighbourhood.
They are calling on UK householders to protect themselves and their neighbours, by sharing gas safety tips within their local networks, Neighbourhood Whatsapp and Facebook groups set up during lockdown are the perfect places to pass on Gas Safety Week tips.
During the Week, we’ll be collaborating with Gas Safe Register, sharing – via social media – the simple steps that we can all take to spot the signs and symptoms of unsafe gas appliances in both our homes and neighbourhoods.
To help your neighbourhood stay Better Gas Safe Than Sorry this Gas Safety Week visit www.gassaferegister.co.uk/therippleeffect.
Staying Gas Safe
Dangerous gas leaks can happen for many reasons.
They may be the result of old pipework or faulty workmanship. It might be that an accident has damaged a pipe, and nobody has noticed it. Energy theft – by a neighbour, landlord or well-meaning friend or family member, can cause leaks. And any gas appliance can develop faults.
Any of these situations could cause an explosion – potentially a fatal one.
This new film from the Gas Safe Register shows just what the impact might be.
If you smell gas, you should investigate immediately. If there is immediate danger, call the emergency services on 999; if you are confident there is no immediate risk but there may be a fault, please contact your energy company, or if you suspect energy theft, report it to Stay Energy Safe using the form on this website.
To find out more about the dangers of energy theft, visit our Gas Theft page.