What to do if you smell gas in your home? In this article we tell you everything you what you need to do if you smell gas in your house…
How Do You Know If There’s A Gas Leak In Your Home?
Detecting a gas leak is easy enough, especially if you know what gas smells like. There are some symptoms that come with the signs of a gas leak in your home, these symptoms can include:
- Nausea
- Feeling lightheaded
- Headaches
- Dizziness
If you are feeling these symptoms and you think there is a gas leak then you need to leave your house immediately and call the National Gas Emergencies on 0800 111 999. When you are outside you should start to feel better in the fresh air.
What To Do If You Smell Gas In Your Home
If you start to smell gas then you should do the following things:
- Turn off your gas supply.
- If you smell gas coming from your gas meter then you should turn it off immediately
- Ensure all the gas appliances are switched off.
- Make sure all flames are extinguished such as cigarettes, open fires and matches/lighters.
- Don’t turn switches on or off, including mobile phones.
- If you smell gas in your house then open the windows and doors to try and ventilate the area.
Do not do the following:
- Smoke, light a match or use any other form of flame.
- Turn any switches on or off.
- Use mobile phones or laptops.
What Causes A Gas Leak In Your Home?
A leak can be caused by poorly fitted or badly maintained/faulty appliances like boilers and cookers. If the appliance has been poorly fitted then gas can escape from the gas hose that leads into the appliance or around the seal.
What Happens If A Gas Leak Isn’t Fixed?
A gas leak can lead to a fire and even explosions, if the gas isn’t burned completely then it can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Gas appliances ensure that gas is burned in a safe and controlled way, meaning your home can be heated and you can cook with the heat. If gas leaks from an appliance it can quickly spread and there is a risk of it igniting and causing a fire or even an explosion.
