Stay safe when you smell gas
If you smell gas, call Wales & West Utilities freephone 0800111 999. You can call the gas emergency number at any time, day or night, 365 days a year.
An engineer will be with you as soon as possible, to make your property safe. Whilst you’re waiting for an engineer, you can do the following:
- Stay calm – the engineers are experts at dealing with gas leaks quickly and with very little fuss
- Switch off – turn off all of your gas appliances and if possible switch off the gas meter (unless the meter is in the cellar or basement, in which case don’t go in)
- Ventilate – open all your windows and doors
- Don’t touch – make sure you don’t use any electrical appliances or switch lights on or off
- Put it out – don’t smoke or use naked flames
- Leave – If there’s a smell of gas in the cellar or basement, please wait outside or with a neighbour
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, tasteless and poisonous gas, that is released when any fossil fuel – such as gas, oil, wood, petrol and coal doesn’t burn properly. It can be released into a home if an appliance is faulty, or because a flue, chimney or vent is blocked. Breathing it in can make you unwell, and it can kill.
Signs of CO include:
- Gas appliances burning with a yellow or orange flame, rather than a blue flame
- More condensation inside your windows
- Pilot lights frequently blowing out
- Soot or yellow and brown staining on or around your appliances
Possible symptoms of CO poisoning:
- Flu like symptoms (without the fever)
- Chest or stomach pains
- Feeling or being sick
- Feeling tired or drowsy
- Problems with your vision
- Giddiness or headaches
If you suspect CO poisoning call 0800 111 999 immediately and:
- Switch off any gas appliances
- Open your doors and windows
- Wait outside or with a neighbour
In a medical emergency, don’t delay, call 999.
To stay safe from the risks of CO poisoning:
- Make sure all fuel burning appliances are serviced once a year by an engineer who is registered with Gas Safe
- Get your chimneys swept and make sure flues are clear
- Install a CO These cost around £15 and you can buy them from your local DIY store, supermarket or even from your gas supplier.
Are you Ready?
The ‘Are you ready’ booklet brings together advice from various organisation to help you and your family take simple steps to reduce risk, prepare for and respond to emergencies such as fire, flood and loss of power.