Smell gas at home? A step-by-step guide and the emergency number

The smell of gas at home is an emergency where the first minutes matter. The UK has a free, 24-hour National Gas Emergency Service: if you smell gas or suspect a leak, call 0800 111 999 (England, Wales and Scotland, natural gas; Northern Ireland uses 0800 002 001). Here is a step-by-step guide to what to do before you call and what you must never do.

I can smell gas — what do I do right now?

Get fresh air immediately: open all the doors and windows. Turn off the gas at the emergency control valve by the meter, unless the meter is in a basement or cellar. Put out any naked flames (candles, the hob, a cigarette) and do not smoke. Then call 0800 111 999 and follow the operator's advice. If you use bottled or bulk LPG, use the contact number printed on the storage vessel or meter instead.

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What must I not do when I smell gas?

Do not touch electrical switches — do not turn anything on or off, including light switches — because a spark can ignite escaping gas. Do not turn the gas supply back on until a Gas Safe registered engineer has checked it. Gas Safe Register is the official list of engineers legally allowed to work on gas appliances in the UK. If you feel unwell, see your GP or go to hospital and tell them you may have been exposed to carbon monoxide.

Why is carbon monoxide dangerous and how do I spot it?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless gas, so you cannot smell it. According to the NHS, signs of poisoning include a headache, dizziness, feeling or being sick, weakness, tiredness and confusion, chest and muscle pain, breathlessness, face flushing and loss of vision. A telling clue is that symptoms ease when you leave the room or building and return when you go back inside.

Carbon monoxide can come from gas boilers, cookers, gas or paraffin heaters, wood, gas and coal fires, and portable generators — especially if an appliance is poorly installed, faulty or badly maintained. Barbecues or camping stoves used indoors and engines running in an enclosed garage are also dangerous. Keep chimneys and flues clean and well maintained.

What should I do if I suspect carbon monoxide poisoning?

If you can, stop using the suspect appliances, go outside and do not go back in until the situation has been checked. If you have symptoms, call the NHS on 111. Call 999 or go to A&E if you are finding it hard to breathe, have suddenly become confused, have lost consciousness, feel very weak, or have chest or muscle pain — and do not drive yourself. If a gas appliance may be leaking, call the gas emergency line on 0800 111 999.

How can I reduce the risk in advance?

Fit an audible carbon monoxide alarm in every room that has an appliance burning gas, oil, coal or wood. Heating and cooking appliances should be installed and serviced every year only by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer — you can check an engineer by their licence number on the Gas Safe Register website. Prevention is cheaper and far safer than dealing with a leak.

ONLYWAY NEWS reminds readers: the numbers and steps above are for a genuine emergency. If in doubt, call 0800 111 999 — it is free and open around the clock.