GAS pipe company Transco is urging people returning home from new year breaks to check for leaks.
Chris Gorman, head of Transco's north of England network, said: "Many people will have been away for Christmas and the new year and will be returning to homes which have been empty a few days.
"It is important to know what to do if they smell gas.
"It is vital that anyone who smells gas calls us immediately. Don't assume someone else has told us."
If you smell gas, make sure all naked flames are put out, do not turn electric switches on or off, turn off gas at the meter and open doors and windows.
Also, use Transco's freephone hotline on 0800 111 999.
A Transco engineer will go to the scene and make it safe, but cannot carry out servicing or repairs.
But the Transco engineer will contact a local workman who is registered with the Council of Registered Gas Installers (Corgi).
