Brits are unsure what to do if they smell gas

There were 356,879 reported gas escapes in the past year – that’s almost 1,000 a day – and sadly these could lead to explosions with potentially devastating and fatal consequences.

Seemingly reassuringly, ahead of Gas Safety Week (14^th – 20^th September), research reveals that 84% of Brits think they know what to do if they smell gas. However, when quizzed further, it’s clear many of these do not know the correct steps to take.

In the biggest survey of its kind, 8,000 people across England, Scotland and Wales were asked what they would do if they smelt gas inside their home. Worryingly, more than half (52%) said they would immediately call for help via their mobile, over a third (34%) said they would get a carbon monoxide alarm as soon as possible if they didn’t already have one and 20% said they would go down into their basement or cellar to turn off the gas meter if it was situated there, while not insignificant numbers said they would close all windows and doors.

Aston spoke to Darren Elsom, network director at Cadent to discuss the alarming statistics and explain what you should do.