If you smell gas

It is crucial to act quickly in a gas emergency. These are the steps you need to take to stay safe:

• Turn off the gas emergency control valve (also called gas emergency shut off valve) at the meter, unless the meter is located in a basement or cellar or at the LPG bulk tank or storage vessels
• Extinguish all naked flames and don’t smoke
• Don’t operate electrical switches (including turning light switches on or off) because this can ignite escaping gas
• Get fresh air immediately; make sure you open all doors and windows to ventilate the area
• Contact the local Gas Transporter for the area on 0800 111 999 to report a gas leak.

How long do I have to wait for an engineer to arrive?

Engineers aim to attend all uncontrolled escapes within one hour.

What if the gas leak is in my home?

Engineers will always make your home safe when called to a suspected gas escape. However, the emergency service provided by National Grid under the terms of its licence does not cover repairs to appliances or installation pipework which cannot be completed within 30 minutes.

What do I do after my home has been made safe?

Once the property has been made safe, the engineer will explain that any work on appliances (such as cookers, boilers or fires) has to be carried out by a Gas Safe (formerly CORGI) registered engineer.

Report the problem to the Repairs Service 01438 242666.

For out-of-hours, please call 01438 314963.

Some useful information may also be found in our Gas and Heating Safety Policy.