Smell gas?

If you smell gas you must report this immediately.

Knowing what to do in an emergency could save lives. Whether you're at home or out & about, there are some essential things to do if you suspect a gas leak.

If you think you have a gas leak or can smell gas, leave the house & phone the National gas Emergencies number immediately on 0800 111 999.

If you are at home & you can do it safely, turn off your gas supply. The gas mains tap should be beside your gas meter, move the handle a quarter of a turn until it is at 90 degrees from the pipe to shut off the gas supply.

Detecting a leak - what are the symptoms?

The most obvious sign of a leak is the smell of gas. You couldalso be feeling ill as a result of a gas leak.

The symptoms include:

• Feeling lightheaded.
• Dizziness.
• nausea.

If you are suffering from these symptons & suspect a leak, you should go outside immediately. If you feel better in fresh air, you could be suffering the effects of a gas leak.

These are also some of the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning.

If you are feeling unwell, visit your GP or hospital immediately, tell them you may have been exposed to a gas leak or carbon monoxide poisoning.

What to do if you smell gas

Do:

• Open doors & windows to allow fresh air in
• Turn off the gas at the mains tap, which is usually near the meter. Move the handle a quarter of a turn until it's 90 degrees from the pipe to turn off the gas supply
• Leave the property
• Phone the National Gas Emergency number on 0800 111 999. Only use a mobile phone from outside the property. The number is free & available 24 hours a day.
• Follow the advice given by the emergency advisor.
• Wait outside for a gas engineer to arrive.
• Report the issue to your letting agent or landlord.

Don't:

• Smoke, light a match or use any other naked flame.
• Turn any electrical switches on or off.
• Use doorbells, mobile phones or any other electrical switches that could cause a spark.

Michael D' Alson

Director

MD Lettings