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Gas leaks and carbon monoxide

A gas leak can cause fire or explosion, and carbon monoxide is an invisible, odourless gas that can poison a household without warning. This page helps you prevent both, spot the signs and act fast.

Sensible basic preparation
In the UAENo UAE official gas leak guidance was fetched; for fire or explosion risk call Civil Defence on 997.[4]

Before

  • Fit a carbon monoxide alarm in each room with a gas, oil, coal or wood burning appliance.[2]
  • Test alarm batteries regularly and replace alarms as the maker advises.[3]
  • Have gas cookers, heaters and boilers installed and serviced by a qualified engineer.[2]
  • Keep rooms ventilated and chimneys and flues clean.[2]
  • Never use barbecues, charcoal or camping stoves indoors.[2]
  • Never run a car or generator in a garage or enclosed space.[3]
  • Never heat your home with a gas oven.[3]

During

  • If you smell gas, open doors and windows straight away.[1]
  • Turn off the gas at the main tap if it is safe to do so.[1]
  • Do not smoke, light matches, use a phone or touch electrical switches.[1]
  • Get everyone out, then call the gas emergency line from outside.[1]
  • Suspect carbon monoxide? Switch off the appliance if safe and go outside.[2]
  • Watch for headache, dizziness, nausea, tiredness, confusion and breathlessness.[2]
  • Call an ambulance for breathing trouble, confusion or collapse; do not drive yourself.[2]

After

  • Wait outside for the engineer and stay out until told it is safe.[1]
  • Get medical advice promptly if anyone felt unwell.[2]
  • Tell medical staff you may have been exposed to gas or carbon monoxide.[1]

Watch: 60-second guides

Generator safety: the rule that saves lives

Videos need an internet connection. Some videos mention numbers for other countries: in the UAE call 999 police, 998 ambulance, 997 fire. More on our YouTube channel.

Official sources

  1. Croydon Council (UK local government): If you smell gas
  2. NHS (UK): Carbon monoxide poisoning
  3. CDC: About Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
  4. UAE Government Portal (u.ae): Handling emergencies

Steps are written in our own words from these pages. If advice from your local authority differs, follow your local authority.

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