Type=image;ImageID=5791;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Gas safety engineer;TitleClass=strong;
Residents who meet certain criteria could benefit from free servicing and repairs to gas appliances including boilers and fires.
The gas safety measures are being offered through the council's Home Improvement Service which is dedicated to helping older people, people with disabilities and vulnerable people to live in their own homes safely and comfortably.
Gas appliances fitted by unskilled tradesmen or appliances that are old, faulty or not serviced often enough can let deadly carbon monoxide into people's homes and cause gas leaks, fires and explosions.
Carbon monoxide is also poisonous, does not smell and can kill quickly with no warning.
It is therefore crucial that homeowners ensure all gas work is undertaken by people who are qualified to work safely and legally and that appliances are serviced regularly.
Councillor Peter Bilson, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Prosperity, said: "I am pleased that we are able to offer these essential safety measures free of charge to the city's most vulnerable homeowners.
"Our Home Improvement Service provides assistance to residents who need it most. To date we have managed to help over 200 people with essential maintenance work that is helping them to remain safe and independent in their own home."
The council is able to provide the gas safety checks and repairs free of charge to vulnerable homeowners after obtaining funding from Foundations Independent Living Trust. The safety checks will be carried out by professionally qualified contractors from Wolverhampton Homes.
To find out more and to check eligibility for this free service, please call City Direct on 01902 551155 or email whis@wolverhampton.gov.uk.
The Gas Safe charity operates a Type=links;Linkid=4831;Title=Gas Safe Register;Target=_blank; containing details of gas engineers who are registered to work safely and legally on boilers, cookers, fires and all other gas appliances. For more information and advice about gas safety, please visit the Type=links;Linkid=4832;Title=Gas Safe Charity;Target=_blank; website.
Anyone who suspects a gas leak should call 0800 111 999 immediately.
For more information about Wolverhampton Home Improvement Service and who can qualify, please visit Type=articles;Articleid=3734;Title=Wolverhampton Home Improvement Service (WHIS);.
- released: Wednesday 26 November, 2014