Friday 3rd December 2010

DERBYSHIRE Fire & Rescue Service is warning people to make sure the flues of their gas boilers are kept clear of snow following five incidents which lead to firefighters having to be called out to people’s homes since the snow began to take hold a week ago.

Watch Manager Glyn Davidson, who is based at Chesterfield Community Fire Station, said: "Two incidents occurred in Claycross, one in Bolsover, one in Chesterfield and one in Alfreton, but we would like to make this a county wide warning as obviously these fires could have happened anywhere in our area.

"To ensure everyone's safety we would like to offer the following advice to all Derby and Derbyshire residents."

Your gas appliances, including your gas boiler, oven, hob and gas fires should be serviced according to the manufacturer's guidelines (at least once a year) by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Flues, chimneys and air vents allow gas to escape from your home. You must keep flues, chimneys and air vents clear so that fumes can escape easily especially from a buildup of snow and ice.

Never block these airways to prevent a draft. Blocking ventilation is dangerous and could result in carbon monoxide building up in your home.

Have chimneys swept every year, no matter how much you use the fire, to make sure fumes can escape freely. Check for birds' nests, leaves and other natural debris, they could be blocking the exit.

Look out for warnings signs that show your gas appliances need to be serviced:

• Your gas appliance is not working properly
  
  
• Your appliance is burning with a lazy yellow or orange flame instead of a crisp blue flame
  
  
• You can see soot or yellow/brown staining around or on gas appliances
  
  
• The pilot light keeps going out

There is increased condensation inside window

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