I smell gas — who do I call?
Open windows, do not switch anything on or off — no lights, no phone inside, no doorbell — leave the building, and call the gas emergency number of Pohotovost plyn 1239 (1239) from outside; it is free and staffed 24/7. If someone is unwell or the smell is strong, 112 — emergency (112). The gas company comes, makes it safe and tells you what was wrong. The landlord pays for repairs to the installation; Krajská hygienická stanice (mzcr.cz) can inspect an installation the landlord neglects.
🗣️ What to say
"I smell gas at [address], [floor / flat]. The smell is [strong / faint], since [time]. I have opened the windows and left the building. [Someone feels unwell.] Please send someone."
🪜 Step by step
- Windows open, nothing switchedNo light switches, no lifts, no phone inside, no cigarettes. Turn off the gas at the meter only if it is safe and you know how.
- Out, then callThe gas emergency line from outside. Warn neighbours by knocking, not by ringing.
- Unwell? 112Headache, dizziness, nausea — get out and call the emergency number.
- Let them inThe gas engineer must access the meter and appliances. Do not re-enter until told it is safe.
- AfterwardsThe report names the fault. A rental: the landlord repairs; refuse to use the appliance until certified. Carbon-monoxide alarm: buy one.
📇 All contacts
❓ Frequently asked
Is the emergency call free?
Yes, and it does not go on your bill. Never hesitate because of cost.
I am not sure it is gas
Call anyway. A false alarm costs nothing; a real one costs a building.
The landlord will not service the boiler
Annual gas safety checks are a legal duty in most countries; report to Krajská hygienická stanice and refuse to use an uncertified appliance.
📎 Sources
- Pohotovost plyn 1239 →
- Krajská hygienická stanice →
- Obecní / městský úřad — odbor životního prostředí, přestupková komise →
🔎 Common searches
Recognise your own search? The answer above covers all of these.
- “smell gas who to call Czechia”
- “gas emergency number Czechia”
- “gas leak what to do”
- “carbon monoxide symptoms”
- “landlord boiler safety check”
🧭 Is this still correct?
We check this information carefully, but phone numbers, websites and rules change — and sometimes we get something wrong. Spotted a mistake or a change? Let us know below.
⚠️ Readers report that something here may have changed — we are checking it.
✅ Thank you — this keeps the page up to date for everyone.