Holiday safety: switch off before you take off

Holiday-makers are being urged to spare a thought for home safety before they jet off to sunnier climes.

As school’s break-up and the holiday exodus begins, engineers from pipeline company Northern Gas Networks are asking people to make sure they switch off their gas appliances before leaving.

Northern Gas Networks is responsible for the region’s gas emergency service and responds free to gas escapes any time of the day or night, every day of the year.

“We want everyone to enjoy their holidays safe in the knowledge that everything is ship-shape at home so we are asking people to think ahead and to follow some simple gas safety advice before they go away,” explained Head of Emergency and Repair, Ken Gray.

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

• Do not smoke or light matches
• Do not turn electrical switches on or off
• Open doors and windows to get rid of the gas
• Turn off the gas supply at the meter
• Immediately ring the free 24-hour gas emergency service on 0800 111 999*
*Calls are recorded and may be monitored

“You should also make sure that all gas appliances are given a safety check at least once a year by a competent Gas Safe registered installer.”