News and events

Now that winter’s here, many of us have already started heating our homes.

Staying warm is better for your health – the NHS recommends homes should be kept at around 18°C. But did you know it can be dangerous if you don’t heat yours safely?

Please follow our advice to help you stay safe and warm this winter.

Which Heater?

Not everyone has central heating. When it comes to heating your home, you might use a portable heater instead of – or in addition to – your central heating.

There are lots of different types of heater, from oil radiators to portable electric heaters and open fires. All of them come with risks that you should be aware of.

As a rule, you should:

• Have your heater serviced each year by a professional or competent person.

• Never use a damaged appliance.

• Keep soft furnishing and other flammables well away from heat sources.

Cost Of Living

We know that the higher cost of living is making people heat their homes by alternative means or even avoid using the heating altogether.

If you live in a very cold home, you could be putting your health and wellbeing at risk.

Are you struggling to pay your energy bills? We recommend you join the Priority Services Register.

The Priority Services Register helps vulnerable customers when they need it most. It is a joint register that allows the utility companies to keep track of those who need support so that they can supply services and advice during times of uncertainty.

For further details on the three main utilities Priority Services Register, please follow these links (all open in a new tab):

• United Utilities

• Electricity Northwest

• Cadent Gas

Get Out, Stay Out, Call 999

If you have a fire in your home, you must never try to put it out yourself. This is when lots of people sadly get hurt.

Instead, get out, stay out, and call us out on 999.

You can learn more about heating your home safely on our keeping warm page.