Thousands of students are beginning a new term at college or university and they are being encouraged to look after their mental health. Students feeling down or under stress should to talk to someone they trust and get support. Stress and pressure Thi… read more
It’s Gas Safety Week (18 to 24 September) and everyone is reminded to be ‘gas safe’. Badly-fitted and poorly-serviced gas appliances can kill. Make sure all gas appliances are serviced by a Gas Safe Register engineer.
Incorrectly installed or maintained heating and cooking appliances can result in the leakage of carbon monoxide – an invisible, odourless poison, which can cause ill health or even death.
Every year, people suffer from preventable gas-related accidents, such as:
The signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include: headaches, dizziness, breathlessness, nausea, collapse and loss of consciousness.
Checking appliances regularly for damage and having your boiler professionally-serviced regularly by a Gas Safe Register engineer could significantly reduce the risk of leaks by detecting problems early.
You can get more information at the link below:
If someone other than an engineer on the Gas Safe Register carries out gas work at your home, you could be risking the safety of your family and your property.
To ensure you stay ‘gas safe’ :
If you smell gas and think you have a gas leak in your home make sure you:
Do not:
For all reports of ‘smell of gas in cellar’:
To turn off your gas supply, you first need to locate the gas isolation valve. In more modern houses, the gas meter and isolation valve are often located outside in a meter box.
If you’re a landlord, you may be eligible for a discount on your rate bills, but time is running out. Bills should be paid in full by Friday 28 September in order to receive an allowance deduction on your bill. Allowance If you have an Article 20 or A… read more
With high winds forecast for some areas, disruption to traffic or travel could be a consequence. Power cuts are also a possibility. There are things you can do to prepare in case your electricity goes off. There are practical steps you can take if it does.
High-sided vehicles are most affected by windy weather, but strong gusts can also blow a car, cyclist, motorcyclist or horse rider off course. This can happen on open stretches of road exposed to strong cross winds, or when passing bridges or gaps in the hedges.
In very windy weather a vehicle may be affected by turbulence created by large vehicles. Motorcyclists are particularly affected, so keep well back from them when they are overtaking a high-sided vehicle.
Motorists are also advised to drive with care due to possible wind-blown debris.
If there are any problems on the roads as a result of high winds, you can get the latest updates on the TrafficwatchNI website.
If you’re planning to travel by air or sea, you should check with the ferry company or airline in case there are any delays or cancellations.
It’s important to be prepared for a potential loss of power. You should:
If you depend on electrical equipment that is vital to your health, contact Northern Ireland Electricity Network (NIE) to get on their Critical Care Register:
If your electricity goes off, you should:
If your power is off and you want to report it or get more information, contact NIE’s Customer Helpline or visit their website:
Check in with someone if you’re worried about their mental well-being and ask them how they’re feeling. Mental health problems can affect anyone at any time of life and in different ways. Anyone who is in distress or despair can contact the Lifeline he… read more