Emergency
112European emergency 117Police 118Fire brigade 144Ambulance 1414Rega (air rescue) 145Tox Info (poisoning)
Local time
Guide · GUIDE 16

Protection in a gas leak

Last reviewed on 29.06.2026

Natural gas is given an odorant so that leaks are noticed – the typical smell is reminiscent of rotten eggs. The main danger is not inhalation but explosion: a single spark (a light switch, doorbell, ringing phone, starting fridge) can ignite a gas-air mixture. If you smell gas, one rule applies: no ignition source, get out, report it.

Immediately: if you smell gas

  1. NO ignition source: no light/switch, no doorbell, no phone in the danger area
  2. Open windows and doors, ventilate well
  3. If reachable without danger: close the main gas valve
  4. Leave the building, warn the neighbours
  5. Only call the fire brigade 118 once outside, at a safe distance

Before: prevent

  1. Know the gas smell (rotten eggs) as a warning signal
  2. Locate the main gas valve
  3. Use a CO detector where you heat with gas/combustion
  4. Have gas appliances serviced regularly by professionals

Why is carbon monoxide so dangerous?

A second, quieter risk is carbon monoxide from incomplete combustion of gas, wood or coal – a colourless, odourless poison. The signs are headache, dizziness and nausea in several people at once, which ease in the open air.

  1. If CO is suspected, get into the fresh air immediately and call 144
  2. Never operate combustion appliances (gas cooker, grill, generator) indoors
  3. Test the CO detector and replace batteries
  4. Yellow instead of blue flame/soot marks: have the appliance checked

What equipment protects against gas hazards?

  1. CO detector in rooms with gas/wood/coal heating
  2. Know where the main gas valve is (a suitable tool if needed)
  3. A phone to report it – but only use it outside the danger area
  4. Emergency numbers of the local gas supplier within reach

Common mistakes

  1. Switching on the light or phoning in the room when you smell gas – spark hazard
  2. Searching for the cause yourself instead of ventilating and leaving immediately
  3. Staying in the danger area to make a phone call
  4. Underestimating CO because it is odourless
  5. Using combustion appliances for heating in closed rooms

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if there is a smell of gas in the house?

NO electrical switches/appliances/lights/doorbells/lifts, no spark, no open flame, do not smoke. Open windows and doors, ventilate, close the gas tap if possible, warn other occupants, leave the building.

Whom do I call if I smell gas — and from where?

Phone only OUTSIDE the danger zone first. The 24-hour gas emergency number of the local supplier, or the fire brigade on 118.

Why must I not switch on the light if I smell gas?

A switch can produce a spark that ignites a gas-air mixture. So: no appliances/flame, ventilate, leave the building.

Official sources