Redcar Centre for Warmth

Information and resources to help you save you money and keep warm and safe.

  • What is Carbon Monoxide?

    Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that is produced when gas, oil, solid fuels and liquid petroleum gas do not burn fully. It can occur when an appliance has been incorrectly fitted, badly repaired or poorly maintained.

    It’s is a gas that you cannot see, smell or taste, but it can be very dangerous if it builds up in your home.

    Warning Signs to Look Out For

    You should check your gas appliances regularly for these warning signs:

    • Lazy yellow or orange flames instead of crisp blue flames on a gas appliance

    • Dark staining around or on appliances

    • Pilot lights frequently blowing out

    • Increased condensation on windows

    Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

    If you are exposed to carbon monoxide, you may experience:

    • Headaches

    • Dizziness

    • Nausea

    • Breathlessness

    • Collapse

    • Loss of consciousness

    What to Do if You Suspect Poisoning

    If you think you or someone else has carbon monoxide poisoning:

    1. Call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999

    2. Turn off appliances, open doors and windows and leave the property

    3. See your doctor immediately or go to hospital

    Staying Safe at Home

    To protect yourself and your family from carbon monoxide:

    • Install an audible carbon monoxide alarm

    • Get your appliances serviced by a qualified engineer once a year

    Staying Safe Out and About

    When camping or on boats:

    • Campfires and barbeques can still kill even when the flames have gone out. Smouldering coals are still dangerous. Never bring a barbeque or camping stove inside an enclosed space such as a tent.

    • If you are heading on a camping trip or on a boating trip, pack a carbon monoxide alarm.

    • Get any gasoline powered engines on large boats serviced regularly.

  • The Priority Services Register (PSR) is a free service that provides extra support for people who need help with their gas, electricity, or water services. It’s designed for those with health issues, disabilities, or young children, ensuring utility companies can offer tailored help when needed.

    What do I get?

    • Priority help during gas emergencies

    • Back-up heating and support

    • Safer visits with password system

    • Info in formats you need

    • Free, safe, and confidential

    Who is eligible? You can sign up to the PSR today if any of the following apply to anyone in your household:

    Medically Dependent

    • Nebuliser and apnoea monitor

    • Heart, lung or ventilator support

    • Dialysis, feeding pump, or automated medication

    • Oxygen concentrator

    • Stair hoist or electric bed

    • Medically dependent showering/bathing

    • Careline / Telecare system (e.g. emergency button)

    • Need for medicine refrigeration

    Mental Health Care

    • Chronic or serious illness (e.g. cancer, MS)

    • Dementia or cognitive impairment

    • Mental health condition (e.g. anxiety, depression)

    Safety

    • Use of oxygen

    • Poor sense of smell or taste

    • Safer with additional presence (e.g. not left alone)

    • Water-dependent (needs water for health or care)

    Poor Mobility

    • Physical impairment

    • Unable to answer the door

    • Restricted hand movement

    Age-Related

    • Pensionable age

    • Children under five in the home (Date of birth of child: ____________)

    • Developmental condition (e.g. autism, learning delay)

    Alternative Communication Needs

    • Blind

    • Partially sighted

    • Unable to communicate in English

    • Hearing impairment (including deaf)

    • Speech impairment

    Temporary Support

    • Temporary life changes (e.g. bereavement, new baby)

    • Post-hospital recovery (temporary)

    • Young adult householder under 18 (temporary)

Booklet: Your Gas, Electricity and Water

Welcome to Redcar Baptist Church!

    • We’re a local church running community support — you don’t need to be religious to access help.

    • Everything is confidential within our team, unless someone is at immediate risk.

    • Today we’ll: show you what’s here, share key safety info, and book follow-up help if needed.

    • Coffee Shop: affordable food/drink and a safe place to sit.

    • Community Grocery: low-cost food shopping (ask staff how it works today).

    • Warm space + support desk: ask us if you’re worried about bills, housing, money, or safety at home.

    • Quick help today is fine — longer support is usually by appointment.

    • If we need to do forms/calls, we’ll book a slot with an adviser/support worker.

    • Tell us what’s most urgent right now: money, energy bills, housing, health, documents, language.

    • PSR can give extra support from your energy network/supplier (e.g., priority help in outages).

    • Usually suitable if you: have young children, are pregnant, have a disability/long-term health need, or are older.

    • Do now: confirm address + best phone number; we can help complete the PSR sign-up.

    • CO is invisible and dangerous. If you feel unwell and suspect gas/CO: leave, call 0800 111 999, call 999 if severe.

    • Do now: quick questions — gas appliances? working CO alarm? any symptoms (headache/nausea/dizziness)?

    • If risk is high, we’ll prioritise urgent steps and book follow-up support.

    • Check bills, tariffs, meter type, and help you contact suppliers.

    • Support with fuel debt options and budgeting steps.

    • If needed, we can refer/signpost to specialist organisations.

    • Book if: bills/debt are urgent, forms are complex, housing/benefits issues, or you need ongoing casework.

    • Bring if you can: recent bill/letters, photo ID (if available), meter info, and your preferred contact number.

    • We’ll confirm the appointment details before you leave.