In the excitement of moving into a new house or flat, there are so many things to do: Unpacking the dishes, putting up the curtains, meeting the new neighbors, exploring the area. With all that to do, you should still make time to add one more thing to your move-in list: Check the gas system, gas appliances and ventilation system. The time you spend will help to make your new home safer for you and your loved ones.

More than 21 million households in the United Kingdom, Isle of Man and Guernsey have gas service and appliances. Although we expect them to be in working order and safe condition, it may not be the case. Gas Safe Register, the successor to CORGI (Council for Registered Gas Installers) and the only registry of authorized gas engineers, recommends that for safety’s sake you take a few moments to make sure that all is well with your gas appliances in your new home. Your safety, and that of your family, may depend upon it.

A gas safety record should be present, listing each gas appliance, from the furnace and stove to the hot water heater and fireplace insert. The record should show the history of fitting, inspection and service for each appliance and inspections for flues and ventilation system, providing dates and the names of the inspecting engineer. New houses should have a gas safety record, too! Original fittings should be inspected before occupancy. If the record is missing or incomplete, contact Gas Safe Register on their web site (www.gassaferegister.co.uk) or on their toll-free telephone number (0080 408 5500) to make an appointment for an inspection by a qualified gas engineer. An inspection will assure you that all appliances are in proper working order and that the ventilation system is performing well.

Renters should also ask to see the gas safety record for their new flat. By law, landlords must have their rental units inspected by Gas Safety Register authorized gas engineer every year and maintain proper records of their maintenance and inspections. If you see anything amiss in the records, point it out to the landlord and request that any problems be fixed before occupancy.

As long as you are thinking about gas safety, Gas Safe Register also suggests that you familiarize yourself with the gas system and safety in your new home:

Locate the main gas shut-off valve. Make sure that it is easily accessible and the area around it is free of clutter. In case of emergency, you may need to reach it quickly.

Make sure that the vents are clean, free of dust, pet hair and clutter. A well-functioning ventilation system is an important to your safety, to prevent the build-up of deadly carbon monoxide gas.

If you’re fond of DYI, as the gas engineer during his inspection visit to help you locate any gas pipes or flues in the walls before you begin any renovation. Take your DYI hat off around gas appliances, though: Only authorized gas professionals should repair or modify anything pertaining to your gas system.

Before you begin work on your new garden, make sure you know the location of any underground gas mains.

Make sure that there is a carbon monoxide sensor with an audible alarm and that it is in working order. If it has a battery back-up, replace the batteries and mark on your calendar when to replace them. Chose an easy-to-remember date for annual battery replacement, such as a birthday or anniversary. If the sensor does not have a date of installation, buy a new one; their useful life is typically five to six years.

Plan, and communicate with your family, safety procedures for a gas leak or carbon monoxide alarm. In case of a gas leak, you will need to extinguish all open flames, turn off the main gas valve and, in either case, to evacuate immediately. Wait to call the emergency number or the local fire brigade after everyone is safely outside.

When you go away on holiday, follow Gas Safe Register’s advice to keep your home safe while you’re away and your stay in your holiday home-away-from-home safe as well. Checklists and instructional videos are available on their website.

Gas Safe Register is committed to your safety by providing authorized gas engineers, inspections and educational material. With their help, you can relax in your new home with a sense of safety.