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New keys, new housemates and a new city can make moving to university feel like one long checklist.

While you are sorting Wi-Fi, food, furniture, and settling into ‘uni’ life don’t forget to check two important safety questions: where is the carbon monoxide alarm, and can I see the current gas safety record?

What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide, or CO, is a poisonous gas. You cannot see it, smell it or taste it. Faulty, badly fitted or poorly maintained fuel-burning appliances can produce it, and blocked vents, chimneys or flues can cause a buildup of this dangerous gas.

A working audible carbon monoxide alarm can warn you if the gas is present. It is an important safety feature in your home, but it is not a substitute for appliances being checked and maintained safely by your landlord.

Your two safety checks

1. Find the carbon monoxide alarm. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and test it regularly. If it doesn’t work, tell your landlord, letting agent or accommodation provider straight away. Do not remove the batteries or ignore a fault.
2. Ask for the current Landlord Gas Safety Record. If you rent privately, your landlord should give you a copy of the record for the gas appliances they provide. Those appliances must have an annual gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

If you own a gas appliance yourself, and bring it to your rented accommodation, you are responsible notifying your landlord and for arranging its safety checks and servicing by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Know the warning signs

It’s vital to be vigilant. An appliance may need urgent attention if you notice:

• a lazy yellow or orange flame rather than a crisp blue flame,
• black or sooty marks on or around an appliance,
• a pilot light that repeatedly goes out,
• more condensation than usual in the room, or
• an appliance error message or anything else that does not seem right.

If you spot something, don’t use the appliance. Contact your landlord and never try to fix or move a gas appliance yourself.

Recognise the symptoms

It’s important to know the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. Especially as they can feel like flu or a hangover!

The main symptoms are headaches, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness, collapse and loss of consciousness.

If more than one person in your household feels unwell or you feel better after going outside, it may be due to carbon monoxide.

What to do if you suspect carbon monoxide

Get everyone outdoors into fresh air straight away and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 from outside.

If it’s safe to do so, open doors and windows and turn off appliances before you head out of your property.  If you or any of your housemates feel unwell, seek medical help too.

Calling on parents and carers

If you’re a parent or carer, ask the important questions, “Have you seen the gas safety record?”, “Have you got a carbon monoxide alarm and have you tested it?” and “Do you know the number to call if you smell gas or suspect carbon monoxide?”

Always remember…

If you smell gas or suspect carbon monoxide, call 0800 111 999 immediately.  The number is free to call and available 24/7. Add it to your phone today so you have it at hand if you ever need it in the future.

More helpful information

You can find more free carbon monoxide advice on our website.  To find or check if someone is a Gas Safe engineer visit GasSafeRegister.co.uk.

Northern Gas Networks is responsible for the network of pipes that deliver that safely deliver gas to your property. Our pipes run up to the meter.

The meter is the responsibility of the gas supplier (the company that bills you or your landlord for the gas you use).  The pipes and gas appliances provided as part of your property rental are the responsibility of the landlord.

We are encouraging university students kick-starting their new term and student life in rented homes to carry out two potentially lifesaving checks:

• confirm there is a working carbon monoxide alarm in their new home, and
• and ask for the property’s current Landlord Gas Safety Record.

We’re also encouraging parents and carers helping students settle into university life to remind them to regularly test their carbon monoxide alarm.

Carbon monoxide, known as CO, is a poisonous gas that cannot be seen, smelt or tasted. It can be produced when fuel-burning appliances are faulty, badly fitted or poorly maintained, or when vents and flues are blocked.

Students renting privately should ask their landlord or letting agent for the current gas safety record before or when they move in.

Gas appliances provided by a landlord must receive an annual gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The landlord is responsible for organising this and keeping an up-to-date gas safety record.

Landlords must also install an audible CO alarm, and students need to know how to test it and report any faults immediately.

Laura Ratcliffe, our Head of Social Strategy, said:

“Starting university is exciting and moving into a new home is a big step with lots to do – but these checks are simple and sadly can get overlooked.

“Students should ask their landlord to show them where their carbon monoxide alarm is and how to test it.  They should also make sure their landlord has arranged for any gas appliances provided to be annually serviced and has an up-to-date gas safety record as proof.

“Parents and carers can help by reminding them to make sure the property they are renting has an audible carbon monoxide alarm and to check it regularly.

“An alarm is an important warning device, but it doesn’t replace properly checked and maintained appliances. If you spot a yellow or orange flame instead of blue flame, black or sooty marks on or around an appliance, a pilot light that repeatedly goes out or more condensation than usual in the room, stop using the appliance. Contact your landlord immediately and never attempt to investigate or repair a gas appliance yourself.”

What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

The main symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, nausea, dizziness, breathlessness, collapse and loss of consciousness.

Symptoms can be mistaken for flu or a hangover, so students should take them seriously, particularly if several housemates feel unwell or symptoms improve after leaving the property.

If a CO alarm sounds or carbon monoxide is suspected, everyone should get into fresh air, leave the property and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 immediately. Anyone who feels unwell should also seek medical help.

Checklist for staying safe

Students can use this moving-in and living away checklist to help them stay safe:

• Find and regularly test the audible carbon monoxide alarm.
• Ask for the current Landlord Gas Safety Record.
• Check that any engineer working on gas appliances in property they are renting is Gas Safe registered.
• Keep vents and flues clear.
• Save 0800 111 999 in your phone and call if smell gas or suspect carbon monoxide.

Hull City Council and Northern Gas Networks (NGN) have joined forces to coordinate essential works in Hull, helping to minimise disruption for residents, businesses and road users.

The project will see Northern Gas Networks, which delivers gas to 2.9 million homes and businesses across the North of England, install a new gas connection to the former East Riding Hotel pub at the junction of Bridlington Avenue and Cannon Street, Hull.

To reduce the impact of multiple roadworks in the area, Hull City Council will carry out its planned road resurfacing programme immediately after the gas connection works are completed. By combining the schemes, both projects will be delivered within a two-week period, avoiding separate disruption phases.

The works are scheduled to begin on Monday 21 September and are expected to be completed by Friday 2 October, subject to weather conditions.

Planned Works Schedule

Phase 1: Monday 21 September to Sunday 27 September Northern Gas Networks will install a new gas connection at the former East Riding Hotel site. A road closure will be in place at the junction of Bridlington Avenue and Cannon Street.

Phase 2: Monday 28 September to Friday 2 October Hull City Council will carry out essential road resurfacing works. The road closure will remain in place on Bridlington Avenue and its junction with Cannon Street while resurfacing is completed.

Advance warning signs and fully signed diversion routes will be in place throughout the works.

Maintaining Access During the Works

Access for residents will be maintained wherever possible, bin collections will continue as normal, and emergency vehicle access will be facilitated throughout the project.

Residents and businesses in the area will receive further information by letter, including contact details for any enquiries.

The resurfacing scheme forms part of Hull City Council’s ongoing highway maintenance programme, which aims to improve road conditions, enhance safety and support reliable transport infrastructure across Hull while ensuring the continuity of essential gas services.

Councillor Mark Ieronimo, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Transport and Infrastructure at Hull City Council, said:

“Improving the condition of Hull’s roads is an important part of keeping the network safe and reliable for everyone who uses it.

“By coordinating our resurfacing work with Northern Gas Networks, we can complete both projects together and avoid residents and businesses experiencing two separate periods of disruption.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience while these essential works are carried out.”

Scott Kitchingman, Business Operations Lead at Northern Gas Networks, said:

“Keeping people safe is always our priority, and we know how important it is to minimise disruption when carrying out work in local communities.

“Working closely with Hull City Council allows us to coordinate our gas network improvement work with the council’s resurfacing programme, helping to reduce the impact on residents, businesses and road users. We’d like to thank everyone for their patience while this work is completed.”

EC Surfacing will deliver the resurfacing works on behalf of Hull City Council.

For the latest Hull traffic updates and information on road closures, follow Travel Hull on Facebook and X, or visit the Travel Hull website and Hull City Council’s weekly roadworks update page.

For further information about the work, contact NGN’s Customer Care Team on 0800 040 7766 or email: [email protected].

Smell Gas or Suspect Carbon Monoxide?

Anyone who smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999. This line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the gas distributor for the North of England, will be carrying out essential work in Norton.  The work is expected to begin on Monday 21 September and will involve replacing the ageing metal pipework with new, more durable plastic pipes.

NGN is investing in it’s pipe network to ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in the area, keeping homes and businesses safe, warm and connected.

Work Details

The project, which is expected to take 17 weeks to complete, has been planned in collaboration with North Yorkshire Council.

Work will begin at the junction of Welham Road and Church Street.  The work will progress moving  away from the railway line and continuing up Welham Road to the junction of Lakeside Way.

Engineers will also be working on St Nicholas Street, Springfield Garth, Park Road and The Avenue, which are all part of the planned upgrade.

So that engineers can carry out the work safely and efficiently, and to protect members of the public, some traffic management measures will be in place.

For the first three weeks of the project a road closure will be in place on Welham Road with a diversion route clearly signposted.  Temporary multi way traffic lights will then be installed on Welham Road.  They will be in place throughout the remainder of the work.

Access will be maintained for residents throughout the project and shops and businesses will be open as usual.

Stewart Whitehead, Site Manager for Northern Gas Networks, said: “We know roadworks can be frustrating, particularly for residents and businesses who rely on these roads every day, and we’re sorry for any inconvenience this essential work may cause. We’ll do everything we can to complete the project as safely and efficiently as possible, while helping to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply for people in Norton.”

For further information about the work contact NGN’s Customer Care Team on 0800 040 7766 or email: [email protected].

Smell Gas or Suspect Carbon Monoxide?

Anyone that smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

Gas Safety Week 2026 runs from 14 to 20 September, and this year’s theme is simple: Take No Chances.

The week is a timely reminder that gas safety is not something to put off, ignore or attempt yourself.

As we head towards that time of year when the heating is on more and fires get switched on for cozy nights in, it’s important to act.

Appliances that aren’t regularly serviced can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning or gas leaks that could ignite.

The good news is that many risks can be reduced by taking simple checks seriously and using qualified Gas Safe experts to service your appliances every year.

Why gas safety matters

Gas is used safely in millions of homes every day, but it must be treated with care. Boilers, cookers and fires need the right installation, regular servicing and prompt attention if something doesn’t look or sound right.

Our engineers are trained to keep people and communities safe. As well as providing the region’s 24/7 gas emergency service, we invest in managing and maintaining our network of pipes that deliver gas to 2.9 million properties.

If you smell gas, suspect carbon monoxide or experience low gas pressure, our engineers will respond quickly to help keep you and your community safe. Although they do not repair appliances or pipework inside the home, their specialist training means they can assess the situation, identify potential hazards and take the right action to quickly make things safe in a gas emergency.

Expertise matters because gas work is never a DIY job. Tampering with gas supplies, meters, pipework or appliances can be extremely dangerous. It can put you, your household and your neighbours at risk. If something needs checking, repairing or moving, always call the right expert.

What you should do to stay safe

• Arrange an annual service for your boiler or other gas appliances with a Gas Safe registered engineer.
• Always check that an engineer is on the Gas Safe Register and is qualified for the type of work you need.
• Ask to see the engineer’s Gas Safe ID card before any work starts.
• Never attempt gas work yourself and never tamper with a gas meter, supply or appliance.
• Fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm and test it regularly.
• Keep vents, flues and air bricks clear so your appliances can work safely.
• Act quickly if you spot warning signs or feel unwell at home.

Know the warning signs

A healthy gas flame should burn blue. If you notice a lazy yellow or orange flame, black or sooty marks around an appliance, a pilot light that keeps going out, extra condensation or unusual smells or sounds, stop using the appliance and contact a Gas Safe registered engineer.

If you smell gas or suspect carbon monoxide, call 0800 111 999 immediately.

Be carbon monoxide aware

Carbon monoxide is often called the silent killer because you cannot see it, taste it or smell it. It can be produced when gas appliances are faulty, badly fitted or poorly maintained.

The main symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, nausea, collapse and loss of consciousness.

If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds, or you suspect carbon monoxide, switch off appliances if it is safe to do so, open doors and windows, leave the property and seek medical help immediately.

What to do in a gas emergency

If you smell gas or suspect carbon monoxide, call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999. The line is free and available 24 hours a day.

• Open doors and windows to let fresh air in.
• Turn off the gas at the meter if it is safe to do so.
• Do not smoke, light a match, or use a naked flame.
• Do not turn electrical switches on or off.
• Leave the property and call 0800 111 999 from outside.
• Follow the advice given by the emergency adviser.

How to find a Gas Safe registered engineer

You can find or check a Gas Safe registered engineer by visiting the Gas Safe Register website and searching by postcode, business name or licence number.

You can also call the Gas Safe Register helpline on 0800 408 5500.

Before any work starts in your property, ask to see the engineer’s Gas Safe ID card and check that they are qualified for the specific appliance or job.

Take no chances

Gas Safety Week is a chance to pause, check and act.

Book your appliance service. Check your carbon monoxide alarm – and if you haven’t got one invest in buying one.

Also look out for friends, relatives and neighbours who might be more vulnerable in a gas emergency. Make sure you sign them up to the free Priority Services Register.

You can join the free Priority Services Register if you’re medically dependent on energy, of pensionable age, have children under five, live with a serious illness, mobility issue or mental condition, have a hearing or visual impairment or have additional communications needs.

As a Priority Services customer you can receive extra help and practical support if your gas supply is ever interrupted.

This Gas Safety Week please remember…if you ever smell gas, suspect carbon monoxide or feel something is not right, take it seriously and call for help.

Find out more

Gas safety advice

Leaflet – Gas Safety Week 2026

Every year, Gas Safety Week brings organisations, engineers and communities together to share practical advice that can help protect homes, families and neighbours.

We’ve joined forces with the UK’s leading kidney patient support charity, Kidney Care UK, and fellow UK gas distribution networks (GDNs) (Cadent, SGN and Wales & West Utilities) to extend a vital partnership that will deliver life-changing support for around 25,000 people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the UK.

Currently only around 26% of people on dialysis are in full-time employment. Office for National Statistics  data shows that people with CKD saw an average loss of earnings over five years of £14,700. This is the second highest loss of earnings, only behind people who have experienced a stroke.

This investment is testament to the success of the initial collaborative programme which began in 2024, and the need to provide long term specialist support to ensure that no one faces kidney disease alone.

Helping people living with chronic kidney disease

The additional investment of more than £1million continues the initial support from the GDNs of £2.5 million. It will enable Kidney Care UK to continue to support vulnerable customers most in need, providing people living with CKD with vital help to tackle fuel poverty through a holistic suite of patient services.

These include face-to-face support where people living with kidney disease will get assistance with benefit entitlement, welfare and specialist money and energy advice, as well as access to the charity’s Support Line.

The impact of the programme is already transforming lives, and this new investment will help more people living in our operating area across the North East, northern Cumbria and much of Yorkshire.

Life-changing support

One beneficiary, Gwilym*, turned to Kidney Care UK when he was struggling with the cost-of-living and paying household bills. The team at Kidney Care UK helped identify unclaimed financial support, including Attendance Allowance and Pension Credit.  They also provided support to help extend his wife’s Personal Independence Payment claim. Through practical help completing application forms, the couple’s income was successfully increased by more than £24,000 a year.

“We’re more than a £1,000 a month better off because of what you’ve done. We’re so grateful, we wouldn’t have known to claim any of this without you. It’s life changing.” (*Individual in question has asked to remain anonymous).

Laurie Cuthbert, Director of Fundraising, Marketing & Communications at Kidney Care UK, said: “By working together over the last two years we have been able to provide life changing support to more than 15,000 people already – including helping vulnerable kidney patients access £2.1m in life-changing financial benefits they weren’t aware of and more than £350,000 in grants.

“We’re delighted to be able to continue this unique and transformational partnership, uniting statutory, charitable and corporate sectors with a common goal of ensuring that no one faces kidney disease alone.”

Laura Ratcliffe, our Head of Social Strategy, said: “Living with kidney disease is complex and challenging. This collaborative partnership opens the door to vital extra support for thousands of people when they need it most. Getting people signed up to the free Priority Services Register is just the first step.

“Through this partnership extension, we’ll ensure more people can access energy efficiency and gas safety advice to keep them safe and warm. It will help us link up patients with our network of trusted partners who can offer valuable support like income maximisation advice to ease cost-of-living pressures, so they can focus on their medical care.”

Join the free Priority Services Register for extra support when you need it

You can join the free Priority Services Register and receive extra advice and support if you or someone in your household:

• has a disability or long-term health condition,
• is medically dependent on gas, electricity or water,
• is of pensionable age,
• has children under five
• has a visual or hearing impairment
• has additional communication needs, or
• is temporarily experiencing vulnerable circumstances.

Sign up to the Priority Services Register online, email [email protected] or call 0800 040 7766, and select option 4.

Smell gas or suspect carbon monoxide? Call the24/7 National Gas Emergency Service number 0800 111 999.

September is one of the busiest months for babies being born. That’s why we’re reminding families to check if they could benefit from free extra help through the Priority Services Register. 

Official birth data for England and Wales traditionally shows a peak in babies born towards the end of September. For new or expecting parents, it’s also an important moment to make sure your household is registered for the right support if your energy supply is ever affected. 

The Priority Services Register is a free service that enables us and other utility companies to tailor support for customers who may need extra assistance if their gas, electricity or water supply is ever affected.

Who can join?

If you’re medically dependent on energy, it’s vital to join. Households are also eligible for free extra support if someone has:

• children under five,
• a disability or long-term health condition,
• is of pensionable age,
• has visual or hearing impairment
• has additional communication needs, or
• is temporarily experiencing vulnerable circumstances.   

Anyone who is expecting a baby can also request to be temporarily added to the free Priority Services Register by providing their due date.

Once your baby is born, you can remain a Priority Services customer until your child turns five. 

Laura Ratcliffe, our Head of Social Strategy, said: “Welcoming a baby is an exciting but busy time, and energy support may not be the first thing on a family’s mind. But if there’s ever an interruption to gas supplies in your area it’s important to be prepared today so you and your little one can be safer tomorrow.

“By being on the Priority Services Register we can identify any households that may need extra advice, reassurance or practical support until our teams can safely reconnect their gas supply.

“It’s free to join, and support can be temporary or longer term depending on your medical or personal circumstances.

“If you – or someone you know – is expecting a baby, has recently welcomed a new arrival, or already has children under five at home but is not registered, take action and sign up today so you don’t miss out on support if you ever need it in the future.”

How do we support Priority Services customers?

During a gas outage we can provide dedicated home visits to check on you, help with alternative cooking and heating facilities, and access to wider welfare support services like hot food and drinks.

You can also ask for information in ways that work for you.  This can include accessible formats, alternative languages, and support through a nominated contact. 

We also work with a strong network of local partners to help our customers stay safe, warm and well.

They support customers in vulnerable situations, share gas and carbon monoxide safety advice, provide energy efficiency advice and offer safe spaces in NGN-funded Centres for Warmth.  

These partners provide trusted, community-led support for people who may be facing challenges due to the current cost-of-living crisis or their health or personal situation.

Priority Services customers who could be benefit from extra support can be referred to these partners for independent support to help reduce energy costs, maximise their income and access support services in their community. 

How to become a Priority Services customer and keep your family safe

• Sign up to the Priority Services Register online, email [email protected] or call 0800 040 7766, and select option 4. 
• Get your boiler and other gas appliances serviced by a Gas Safe engineer so your new family stays safe and warm.  
• Save the National Gas Emergency Service number: 0800 111 999 to your mobile so you know who to call if you smell gas or suspect carbon monoxide. 

Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the gas distributor for the North of England, is carrying out essential work on Keighley Road, Denholme, Bradford, to replace the ageing metal pipework with new, more durable plastic pipes.

This work will ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in the Bradford area, keeping homes and businesses safe, warm and connected.

The project, which has been planned in collaboration with Bradford Council, is expected to last until around the end of September. So that engineers can carry out the work safely and efficiently, and to protect the public, some traffic management measures have been put in place.

Work Details

From Thursday 17 September, temporary traffic lights will be in place on Keighley Road, Denholme, and the junction with Foster Park will be closed. To minimise disruption, these lights will be manned during busy periods. Please allow extra time for your journey while these essential works are carried out.

Chris Green, Business Operations Lead at Northern Gas Networks, said: “We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these essential works. However, it’s vital we complete them in order to continue to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply to the residents of Bradford.”

For further information about the work please contact NGN’s Customer Care Team on 0800 040 7766 or email: [email protected].

Smell Gas or Suspect Carbon Monoxide?

Anyone that smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

Northern Gas Networks (NGN), the gas distributor for the North of England, is carrying out essential work on Coast Road/A1086, Hartlepool, to replace the ageing metal pipework with new, more durable plastic pipes.

This work will ensure the continued safe and reliable supply of gas to customers in the Hartlepool area, keeping homes and businesses safe, warm and connected.

The project, which has been planned in collaboration with Hartlepool Borough Council and Durham County Council, is expected to last until the start of November. So that engineers can carry out the work safely and efficiently, and to protect the public, some traffic management measures have been put in place.

Work Details

From Tuesday 1 September, there will be rolling multiway lights in place between Evergreen Holiday Park and Seaview Park Homes for the full duration of this work. Please allow extra time for your journey.

Nigel Pearson, Site Manager at Northern Gas Networks, said: “We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these essential works. However, it’s vital we complete them in order to continue to maintain a safe and reliable gas supply to the residents of Hartlepool.”

For further information about the work please contact NGN’s Customer Care Team on 0800 040 7766 or email: [email protected].

Smell Gas or Suspect Carbon Monoxide?

Anyone that smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24-hours a day, seven days a week.