HOMEOWNERS are being offered advice on how to stay warm and safe during the extreme weather conditions.

HOMEOWNERS are being offered advice on how to stay warm and safe during the extreme weather conditions.

Households relying on gas to heat their homes, provide hot water and cook their food during the cold period have been urged to check all appliances are working correctly.

Gas Safe Register experts say gas appliances should be checked and serviced at least once a year to ensure they work safely and efficiently in the cold.

An audible carbon monoxide alarm should be installed to protect against dangerous levels of the gas going unnoticed in the home.

If gas can be smelled or a leak is suspected, the advice is to turn off the gas at the meter, extinguish naked flames, open windows and leave the area.

Peter Eldridge, chief executive of Gas Safe Register, said: “If your appliances do let you down, don't risk your home and your family's safety by getting someone in who is not on the Gas Safe Register. “Using an illegal gas fitter can lead to gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning.

“Gas incidents like these killed 18 people in the UK last year and hospitalised a further 310, so it pays to stay safe.”