What to do if you suspect a gas escape

The gas escape procedure has been created to help minimise the risk to life and property in the event of a gas escape.

Act quickly:

  • Remove yourself from the situation and get fresh air as soon as possible. Where possible, open doors and windows to help dilute the build up of gas.

  • Locate the gas valve (usually next to the gas meter) and turn off the gas.

  • Ensure there are no naked flames lit in the property and do not smoke.

  • Do not operate electrical switches either to turn appliances or lights on or off, as they may spark.

  • Call the National Gas Emergency service number for your area (See Below)

  • Follow their advice of the Gas Emergency Service once in contact. They may advise you to contact a Gas Safe registered engineer.

  • Gas inhalation including carbon monoxide can be dangerous, if not lethal. If you are left feeling unwell, visit your GP or hospital immediately and let them know you may have been exposed to carbon monoxide.

  • It’s important not to turn the gas supply back on until it’s been checked by a Gas Safe Engineer.

Who should you call?

There’s a free 24-hour National Gas Emergency Helpline, but which one to call depends where you are based:

England, Wales and Scotland 0800 111 999

Northern Ireland 0800 002 001

Gas Leaks, smells and symptoms

Although natural gas itself is odourless, a smell (a bit like eggs and metal) is added to help detect leaks. However, Carbon Monoxide is odourless, and you should be aware that the following symptoms may indicate a gas leak or issue with carbon monoxide.

  • Feeling lightheaded

  • Nausea

  • Dizziness

  • Headaches

  • Unexplained tiredness

Detecting a gas leak or carbon monoxide leak

The smell of gas is usually the first and greatest or even only sign of a gas escape, and you should follow the procedure laid out above as soon as you detect it.

Carbon Monoxide, however, is odourless and a silent killer. We always recommend having a carbon monoxide detector suitably fitted in your home and have the batteries tested regularly to ensure you are alerted to the presence of carbon monoxide. If this alarm goes off, you should evacuate the property immediately.