Holiday Safety: Switch off before you jet off

JULY 31, 2008
North East holidaymakers are being urged to spare a thought for home safety before they jet off to sunnier climes.

Engineers from pipeline company Northern Gas Networks want people to make sure they’ve switched off their gas appliances before they leave home.

Northern Gas Networks and its operating company United Utilities are responsible for dealing with all the region’s gas emergencies.

“We want everyone to enjoy their holidays, so we are asking people to be alert and to follow some simple gas safety advice before they go away,” explained United Utilities’ emergency manager Peter Bates.

“Before you leave home, check all appliances have been turned off correctly. If you get back and smell gas follow these rules to keep yourself safe:

• Do not smoke or light matches
• Don't turn electric switches on or off
• Open doors and windows to get rid of the gas
• Turn off the gas at the meter
• Ring the free 24-hour gas emergency service on 0800 111 999*
*Calls are recorded and may be monitored
“You should also ensure that all gas appliances are given a safety check at least once a year by a competent and registered CORGI (Council for Registered Gas Installers) installer.”