Emergencies and safety advice

On this page, you will find out what to do if you smell gas or suspect there is a gas emergency. You will also find gas safety advice.

Smell gas?

Call 0800 111 999 
*All calls are recorded and may be monitored

To report a gas or carbon monoxide emergency, or if a pipeline is struck (even if no gas leak has occurred) call 0800 111 999 - 24 hours a day.

 

Gas safety in the home

If you smell gas, call the gas emergency number on 0800 111 999.

In the event of an emergency

  • Do not smoke or light matches
  • Do not turn electrical switches on or off
  • Open doors and windows
  • Turn off the meter at the control handle unless the meter is in the cellar
  • Call the National Gas Emergency number (0800 111 999)

General safety advice

  • Get your gas appliances checked annually by a Gas Safe-registered engineer
  • Always check IDs before allowing anyone into your home

Gas safety in rented properties

  • Speak to your landlord about making sure the boiler is serviced annually
  • Ask for a copy of the safety certificate to be sure

Signs of a faulty boiler

  • Soot around the appliance
  • A yellow or orange weak flame instead of blue flame
  • A pilot light which blows out easily
Carbon monoxide

Issues such as carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal but many people are not aware of the warning signs, particularly older people, who may put flu-like symptoms or simply feeling drowsy down to old age.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

  • Nausea
  • Light-headedness
  • Headaches
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness
  • Sleepiness

If your carbon monoxide alarm sounds or you suspect a leak:

  • Stop using all appliances, switch them off, and open doors and windows to ventilate the property
  • Evacuate the property immediately; stay calm and avoid raising your heart rate  
  • Call the Gas Emergency number on 0800 111 999 to report the incident, or the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Gas Safety Advice Line on 0800 300 363
  • Don't go back into the property; wait for advice from the emergency services
  • Seek immediate medical help; you may not realise you've been affected by the carbon monoxide and going outside into fresh air won't treat any exposure by itself

Find out more about carbon monoxide poisoning on the NHS Choices website.

Doorstep safety

We will tell you if a National Gas engineer is coming to your home.

If you're not sure who is at the door, you should: 

  • Put the chain on your door or speak to them with your door closed
  • Ask to see an engineer’s ID card; there is number at the back of the card if you need to check who they are
  • Do not let anyone in if you are not happy with their answers
  • Ask a neighbour to help if you are not sure
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