Emergency

In an emergency

Rural gas fault

Call 0800 734 567
New Connections

Call 0800 639 427
Danger sign

What to do if you smell gas or notice a damaged pipe

If you notice the smell of gas or a damaged leaking pipe call 0800 734 567 and you can talk to our team about the situation. Call 111 if there is a major incident with risk to life or property.

If you hit a gas pipe, smell or hear gas escaping: 

  • Switch off all machinery and remove all sources of ignition, including mobile phones.
  • Move yourself and others to a safe location until you can no longer smell gas - at least 100 meters upwind from a transmission pipe.
  • Report the emergency by calling us on one of the emergency numbers below.
  • Call the fire service on 111 if you have any safety concerns. 
  • Do not return to the area until you are advised that it is safe to do so by Firstgas or by Emergency Services.
  • Please report all damage no matter how minor.

How do you know if you have a gas leak?

Natural gas is odourless and the chemical, mercaptan is added to the gas to give it the distinct smell of rotten eggs so that a gas leak is recognisable.

  • Is there an unusual smell in the area of the pipeline?
  • Can you hear gas escaping, an unusual hissing or roaring sound coming from the vicinity of the pipeline or associated facility?
  • Is there dead or discoloured vegetation around the suspected source site?
  • Are you aware of damage to a gas pipe or gas equipment?
  • Can you see or hear ground water bubbling, or is it frozen?
  • Is there a fog-like vapour near the ground?
  • Have you heard or seen a gas explosion or fire?

If you suspect a gas leak and answer "YES" to any of these questions, evacuate the area immediately without using a vehicle or any device that may create a spark, including a mobile phone.