Home emergency cover
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In the event of a gas leak or gas emergency, here’s what to do and how to contact the National Gas Emergency number.
Gas appliances in the home, like boilers, hobs and ovens, can pose potential risks, including:
If you smell gas, or suspect a gas leak, you need to act fast.
Household gas is naturally unscented, but energy suppliers add an odourous chemical to it, so it doesn’t go unnoticed should a leak occur. It smells a little like sulphur or rotten eggs.
Carbon monoxide has no smell but breathing in too much of it can prove fatal. That’s why it’s vital you install carbon monoxide alarms in your home to alert you to any dangerous leaks.
Other signs of a gas leak are hissing sounds coming from equipment, even when switched off, and dead or dying houseplants that have normally thrived. You may also notice higher than usual gas usage.
Unexplained symptoms including dizziness, headaches, nausea and breathing problems could also indicate that there’s a leak in your home.
Sometimes, a gas leak can cause headaches, dizziness and nausea.
If you have mild symptoms they should go away when you leave the home, but it’s still a good idea to see a doctor.
Breathing in carbon monoxide, meanwhile, can lead to poisoning, which can be fatal.
Symptoms can include tension headaches, extreme fatigue, sickness, dizziness and confusion, stomach pain and difficulty breathing.
The more of the gas you inhale, the worse your symptoms will get.
Eventually you may lose balance, vision and consciousness.
If you think you’ve been exposed to low levels of carbon monoxide, you should see your GP.
If you feel you’ve been exposed to high levels, then you should go to A&E immediately.
If someone has collapsed or is displaying severe symptoms, call 999.
Calling the National Gas Emergency number to report a gas leak is free.
An emergency gas engineer will be sent, free of charge, to ‘make safe’ your property.
They won’t repair appliances or pipework, though, that’s something you’ll need to arrange and pay for yourself. Always use a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Of course, the price will vary depending on the price of materials and how long it takes to do the repair, but it’s usually costs around £350 on average to repair a gas pipe.
Whatever the cost, it’s something you need to get done by a professional Gas Safe registered engineer.
Trying to fix the problem yourself, or leaving it broken, is a definite no-no. Gas repairs are extremely dangerous and best left to the professionals.
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