With over 38 years of experience handling gas emergencies across Perth, I’ll guide you through the crucial steps to keep your family safe during a gas leak emergency. Time is critical – let’s focus on what you need to do right now.

Immediate Safety Steps

If you suspect a gas leak, stay calm and follow these essential safety steps immediately. Each action helps protect your family and property from serious harm.

First Priority Actions:

• Open all doors and windows immediately – Create maximum ventilation as quickly as possible. Start with the rooms closest to where you smell gas and work outward. Remove any objects blocking windows or doors to ensure full airflow. This helps disperse gas accumulation and reduces explosion risk
• Get everyone out of the house straight away – Don’t waste time gathering belongings or making phone calls. Head to your predetermined family meeting point, which should be well away from the property, ideally at least 100 meters. Account for all family members, including pets if it’s safe to get them
• Never turn electrical switches on or off – Even the tiny spark from a light switch can ignite gas. Leave all electrical equipment exactly as it is, including appliances, lights, and fans. If something’s running, leave it running. If it’s off, leave it off
• Keep your mobile phone switched off until you’re outside – The electrical signals from phones can create sparks. Wait until you’re well clear of the building before making any calls. This includes avoiding doorbells, intercoms, and garage door openers
• Avoid any ignition sources – This means no cigarettes, lighters, matches, or naked flames of any kind. Even static electricity from synthetic clothing can be dangerous in a gas-rich environment. If possible, avoid walking on carpets or synthetic flooring when leaving

Emergency Contacts

Once safely outside, immediately contact:

• Gas Emergency Line (1800 427 532) – Call this number first. They’re available 24/7 and will respond quickly to serious gas leaks. Stay on the line and follow their instructions precisely. They may ask about the location of your gas meter or other important details
• Your Licensed Gas Fitter – After calling the emergency line, contact your trusted gas fitter. They can assess the situation and make necessary repairs once the emergency service has declared the area safe. At Plumb It Right, we provide rapid emergency response without call-out fees
• Keep Everyone Away – Create a clear safety zone around your property. Stop neighbors or passersby from entering the affected area. Gas can travel surprisingly far, so maintain a generous safety perimeter

Recognizing Gas Leak Signs

Knowing these critical warning signs helps you identify gas leaks before they become severe emergencies:

• Distinctive Rotten Egg Smell – Gas companies add this smell deliberately as a safety measure. If you notice even a faint gas odor, take it seriously. The smell might be stronger in some areas of your home – note these locations to tell emergency responders
• Unusual Hissing Sounds – A distinct hissing noise near gas lines, appliances, or meters often indicates a leak. Check carefully around pipe joints, connections, and appliance fittings. Never use a flame to check for leaks – this is extremely dangerous
• Dead or Dying Plants – Gas leaks can kill vegetation. If you notice unexplained patches of dead plants around gas lines or suddenly wilting indoor plants, especially near gas appliances, this could indicate a leak
• Bubbles in Standing Water – If you see bubbles forming in puddles near gas lines or in water you’ve sprayed on connections, this is a serious warning sign. These bubbles form as gas escapes through the water
• Higher Than Normal Gas Bills – A sudden unexplained increase in your gas bill might indicate a leak. Keep track of your normal usage patterns so you can spot unusual changes quickly
• Physical Symptoms – Gas exposure can cause dizziness, nausea, headaches, or fatigue. If multiple people experience these symptoms, especially after using gas appliances, exit immediately and call emergency services

After The Emergency

Once the immediate danger has passed:

• Wait for Professional Clearance – Don’t re-enter your property until emergency services or a licensed gas fitter declares it safe. Gas can linger in pockets even after ventilation
• Get a Complete System Inspection – Have a licensed gas fitter thoroughly check all gas lines, connections, and appliances. They should test the entire system for additional leaks and potential problems
• Document Everything – Take detailed notes about what happened, including times, locations, and any warning signs you noticed. This information helps prevent future incidents and may be important for insurance purposes
• Review Your Emergency Plan – Use this experience to improve your family’s emergency response plan. Update emergency contact numbers and make sure everyone knows what to do if it happens again.

Professional Follow-up

At Plumb It Right, we provide comprehensive gas safety services across Perth’s metropolitan area to Lancelin. After any gas emergency:

• We conduct thorough system testing to identify any underlying issues
• We check all gas appliances and connections for proper operation
• We ensure your system meets current safety standards
• We provide clear documentation of all work performed
• We offer recommendations to prevent future emergencies

Remember, gas emergencies require immediate, correct action. If you suspect a gas leak, exit immediately and call the emergency number from a safe location. Don’t risk trying to find or fix the leak yourself – leave that to the professionals.