Smell Gas? What to Do Right Now

If you smell gas, act first: open windows, leave, call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. Then book an engineer. Call 020 8050 9933.

Key facts

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A smell of gas is an emergency. Your first call is the National Gas Emergency Service, which is free and open 24 hours a day. A plumber or engineer comes after the danger has been dealt with, not before.

Step 1: Do not create a spark

Do not smoke, light a match or use a naked flame. Do not switch electrical items or lights on or off, and do not use a doorbell. Any of these could ignite gas.

Step 2: Open doors and windows

Open doors and windows to let the gas escape. If you can reach the gas meter safely, turn off the gas at the emergency control valve, usually a lever beside the meter. If it is hard to reach, do not delay leaving.

Step 3: Leave the property

Get everyone, including pets, out of the building and stay outside. Do not go back in until you have been told it is safe.

Step 4: Call the National Gas Emergency Service

Call 0800 111 999 from outside the property. It is free, open 24 hours a day, and you can report a suspected gas leak or carbon monoxide risk. Follow the advice you are given.

Watch for carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide has no smell. Headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness or collapse, especially if several people feel ill at once, can be warning signs. Get out into fresh air, call 999 if someone is unwell, and call the gas emergency number.

After the emergency

Do not use gas appliances again until a Gas Safe registered engineer has checked them. We can inspect appliances and pipework once it is safe, and book you in around the clock.

Quick tips

Related help

Common questions

Who do I call first if I smell gas?

The National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. It is free and open 24 hours a day.

Can you inspect my gas appliances after a leak?

Yes, once it is safe. A gas leak inspection is typically £90 - £150 including VAT, plus the call-out fee, and gas work is done by Gas Safe registered engineers.

Is a pilot light going out a gas leak?

Not always, but if you smell gas, treat it as an emergency and follow the steps above.

Call 020 8050 9933