National Grid is gearing up to take thousands of calls over Christmas

Be extra alert to potential gas leaks over the holidays

It’s not just Santa who will be working on Christmas Eve. Whilst many of us are making last minute plans, watching Christmas TV and wrapping presents, National Grid engineers will be working around the clock make sure our gas supplies are safe over the festive period.

Throughout the year, engineers are on hand day and night to tackle potentially dangerous gas leaks. So, as we fire up our ovens to cook the festive feast and enjoy all the traditional seasonal activities, safety-conscious National Grid is urging people to be extra alert to potential gas leaks over the holidays.

It is estimated that around 63,300 calls will be made to the 24 hour National Gas Emergency Service number - 0800 111 999 - over the holiday period. Last year nearly 4,000 emergency calls (see table below) were received from the North West region.

So, while you're enjoying the Christmas TV specials, here’s an idea of how busy the engineers will be: 

• During Doctor Who (1 hour), 179 calls
• Strictly Come Dancing (1 hour 15 minutes), 224 calls
• Downton Abbey (2 hours), 358 calls

John Duckworth, head of operations in the North West said: “Our engineers play a vital role at this time of year in making sure homes, shops and business have a safe and reliable gas supply throughout the festive season.

For us it's business as usual. Our staff will be ready to answer calls and deal with any gas related problems that might arise on Christmas Day just as they would on any other day of the year.”

The call centre team will be responding to calls of gas escapes and dispatching engineers. If you smell gas follow these simple safety steps: 

• Call the National Gas Emergency 0800 111 999
• Do not smoke or light matches
• Do not turn electrical switches on or off
• Open doors and windows
• Turn off the meter at the control valve unless the meter is in the cellar