I Can Smell Gas

Natural gas, as supplied to our homes, is a volatile substance and must be treated with respect.

If you smell, or think you smell, gas in your home, take the following steps.

• DO NOT USE ANY SWITCHES. If it is on, leave it on, if it is off leave it off. The smallest spark from a switch can ignite a build-up of gas.
• DO NOT USE ANY NAKED FLAMES. Do not smoke, or light a match, candle or similar; even outside.
• Open doors and windows to help ventilate the property, allowing any build-up of gas to escape.
• If you can, turn off the gas supply. Near your meter, you will see a lever, which will normally run parallel (in the same direction) as the pipe it is attached to. Turn the lever through 90 degrees, to shut off the gas supply. (If you don’t know where this lever is, you may want to ask your landlord to show you next time they visit).
• Leave your property
• Dial 0800 111 999 (free to call) and report that you smell gas in your property. Follow any instructions you are given.

It does not matter who your gas supplier is, or what sort of meter you have, the number to dial is the same.

If for any reason you are behind with your gas payments or are in debt or emergency credit, you must still call. A gas leak is an emergency and the gas emergency service are duty bound to make it safe – they are not interested in any debts you might have.

They will attend and make things safe free of charge.

• When it is appropriate to do so, call your landlord or property manager to make them aware of the situation.

Did you know?

• A gas leak will not be detected by a smoke alarm or a Carbon Monoxide alarm.
• Natural gas is actually odourless. Because of its hazardous nature, the distinctive smell is added as a way of noticing a leak.