Home safety guide: Gas and electrical safety at home
Keeping your household safe starts with strong energy safety practices. This home safety guide covers electrical safety at home, gas appliance safety, carbon monoxide safety and practical home safety tips to help protect your property and your family.
Updated on 19 December 2025 by:
John Allen
Senior Commercial Manager, British Gas
Energy safety checklist
Damage protection
Water-related damage can be expensive and at worst, make your home unlivable. A Surestop button lets you turn off your water in an instant if there's a problem. Freezing pipes can also cause water damage, so it's worth looking into pipe protection too.
Detecting danger
We know that protecting your home and family is your top priority. So it's good idea to get your gas and electric appliances checked regularly. Making sure you have carbon monoxide alarms in every room you have a gas aplliance is also important for safety and peace of mind.
Electrical wiring
Making sure your electrics are up to scratch is critical for safety at home - particularly if you've just moved into a new house or if you live in an older property.
Appliance safety
Boilers, cookers, and other major appliances should be professionally installed and regularly maintained to ensure safe operation. Routine checks and servicing support energy safety and help prevent faults that could cause damage or disruption.
Emergency support
Having access to a professional engineer is essential in urgent situations. Knowing how to shut off mains water or gas supplies and scheduling regular inspections can reduce the likelihood of serious problems and maintain overall home safety.
Home safety solutions
We offer a range of solutions to help keep your home safe from gas, electric and water hazards.
Carbon monoxide (CO) alarm
A certified CO alarm detects dangerous carbon monoxide levels from gas appliances, helping to prevent poisoning and supporting carbon monoxide safety. Regular testing and maintenance ensure reliable protection for your home.
Mains water switch
A Surestop mains water switch allows the water supply to be turned off instantly in case of leaks or burst pipes. This essential device helps prevent costly water damage and is a key part of any home safety checklist.
Protective bonding
Protective bonding reduces the risk of electric shocks and electrical fires by connecting metal pipework and surfaces to the main earthing system. This solution improves electrical safety at home and complements other safety measures.
Pipe protection
Pipe protection safeguards boilers and plumbing from freezing during cold weather. Properly insulated pipes prevent leaks, maintain energy safety, and help ensure the heating system continues to operate efficiently.
Gas safety check and certificate
A professional gas safety check confirms that all gas appliances are operating safely and efficiently. Landlords are legally required to obtain a gas safety certificate, and homeowners benefit from reduced risk of gas leak safety issues.
Fuse box (consumer unit) replacement
Replacing or upgrading a consumer unit (fuse box) ensures electrics meet current safety standards and reduces the risk of faults or fires. Modern fuse boxes support electrical hazard prevention and overall energy safety in the home.
What to do in a gas emergency
If you suspect a gas leak, or a carbon monoxide escape, call the National Gas Service on 0800 111 999 immediately. And then remember:
- Do not use electrical switches, appliances, or open flames
- Open windows and doors to ventilate the area. If you have any electrical security entry phones, or locks, don’t use them. Open your doors manually
- Turn off the gas supply at the mains valve if it is safe to do so
- Evacuate the property immediately
- Do not re-enter the property until it has been inspected and cleared
What is carbon monoxide and why detection matters
Carbon monoxide is an invisible and dangerous gas that can cause serious illness, brain damage and even death. Possible causes of carbon monoxide leaks can come from your gas boiler, fire or cooker. What you need to know:
- Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas from faulty or poorly ventilated gas appliances
- Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, dizziness, nausea, chest or stomach pain. It can cause unconsciousness or death in severe cases
- CO alarms provide early warning and are essential for safety
- Proper ventilation reduces risk of CO build up
What to do in an electrical emergency
If you’re experiencing power outages in your area, notice damaged power lines, or if you spot main fuse issues or leaks / moisture around your electricity meter, call the free electricity emergency line on 105. And then make sure to:
- Turn off the mains electricity supply if safe to do so
- Keep away from live wires, damaged cables, or wet areas
- Do not touch anyone who is in contact with electricity until the supply is switched off
- Use a non-conductive object (like a wooden broom handle) to move minor electrical hazards if necessary
Power cut safety guidance
Power cuts can occur unexpectedly and create hazards if not managed safely. Key steps to follow during a power cut include:
- Keep a torch and spare batteries easily accessible; avoid using candles where possible
- Keep away from live wires, damaged cables, or wet areas
- Unplug sensitive electrical appliances to prevent damage from power surges when supply is restored
- Avoid touching downed power lines or any electrical equipment outside the home
- Use battery-powered devices or alternative lighting safely
- Remain in well-lit areas and stay aware of emergency updates from local authorities or from our team at British Gas
Home safety resources and support
We provide practical home safety resources, expert inspections and trusted solutions to improve energy safety in your home.
British Gas are here to help in more ways than one
British Gas provides both home safety and energy management support. Our qualified engineers are here to help with emergencies, safety checks, and appliance maintenance. And we’re here to help with managing your energy bills too.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a mains water switch or Surestop?
If there's a water leak in your home or you need to turn off your water immediately, the Surestop button will do that in a flick of a switch. If you have a stop cock that's hard to reach or very stiff and hard to turn off, a Surestop is a quick, accessible way to turn of your mains water in an emergency.
Why do I need protective bonding?
You may need protective bonding if you have metal, water and gas pipes coming into your home. Protective bonding is an essential requirement of every electrical installation, however it is often overlooked by an unqualified person attempting electrical work themselves. If you're having a new fuse box (consumer unit) fitted by British Gas and we see that you don't have protective bonding, we'll do it for you. You may have an advisory notice on your gas meter or boiler that says you need protective bonding.
Why do I need pipe protection?
Your boiler's waste pipe may go outside and can freeze in cold weather, stopping your boiler from working and causing water damage to your home. A Condensulate or a trace heater can prevent that. A Condensulate is an insulated pipe that can cope with temperatures of up to -15C.
Why do I need a carbon monoxide alarm?
Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas that can cause serious illness or death. A carbon monoxide alarm is the best way to detect dangerous gases from any fuel burning appliance such as a gas cooker, fireplace or boiler. An alarm gives you an early warning about any carbon monoxide leaks in your home before they get to a dangerous level.
Why do I need a Gas Safety Check and Certificate?
Get expert safety advice and a Gas Safety Check and Certificate so you can rent out your property compliantly. Our Gas Safe Registered engineer will inspect your gas meter, pipework and appliances to help ensure you keep compliant with current legislation. We'll store your certificate in your online account so you'll always have access to it and we'll send you annual reminders to renew your certificate. Even if you're not a landlord, it's still a good idea to get your appliances professionally checked every now and then.
Why do I need a new fuse box or consumer unit?
Replacing your old fuse board with a modern consumer unit is a major part of ensuring your electrics are safe and up to standard. All of our installations are fully certified and we'll even notify your local building control. We'll test all the electrical circuits in the house during the installation, which will confirm the whole home is electrically safe.