Be Prepared: Gas

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.