30 September 2008
Students living in rented accommodation must be educated about the importance of gas safety, according to a spokesperson for the National Grid. Sarah Harris said there is a lack of knowledge among students when it comes to coping with household disasters such as broken boilers and heating systems. "If you are living in rented accommodation please make sure you speak to your landlord and make sure the gas boiler has been checked and maintained," she advised. Research by National Grid reveals that just one per cent of students rate safety as the most important aspect of their accommodation. It also shows that 76 per cent do not know how to turn off the gas at the mains and 54 per cent do not know who to call in the event of a gas leak. Annual boiler servicing and repairs are often included in heating cover policies, so students may be wise to ask their landlord whether they have this type of insurance.