Quick Answer
In a home emergency in 2026: prioritise safety first — evacuate if needed. For gas leaks, call 0800 111 999 from outside. For burst pipes, turn off the stopcock immediately. For power cuts, call 105. Always notify your home insurer the same day.
A home emergency can happen at any time — a burst pipe on Christmas morning, a gas smell at midnight, or a tree falling through the roof during a storm. In 2026, knowing exactly what to do in the first few minutes can prevent a crisis from becoming a catastrophe. This guide covers the six most common home emergencies with clear, numbered action steps and the emergency contacts you need to have ready.
In this guide
Burst Pipe
- 1
Turn off the main stopcock immediately — know where yours is before an emergency happens (usually under the kitchen sink or where the supply enters the property)
- 2
Turn off any water heating appliances (boiler, immersion heater)
- 3
Open all cold taps to drain the system and relieve pressure
- 4
Turn off electricity in affected areas if water is near electrics — do this at the consumer unit, not individual switches
- 5
Mop up water and remove furniture from the affected area
- 6
Call an emergency plumber
- 7
Notify your home insurer
For more detail, see: what to do when you have a burst pipe and how to find an emergency plumber near you.
Gas Leak
- 1
Do not turn any switches on or off — a spark can ignite gas
- 2
Do not use your phone inside the property
- 3
Open windows and doors immediately
- 4
Turn off the gas supply at the meter (the isolation lever next to the meter — turn 90 degrees until across the pipe)
- 5
Evacuate everyone from the property
- 6
Call the National Gas Emergency Service from outside: 0800 111 999 (free, 24/7)
- 7
Do not re-enter until given the all-clear by a Gas Safe engineer
For more detail, see: what to do if you smell gas in your home.
Power Cut
- 1
Check whether it is just your property by looking at neighbours' lights — if others are also affected, it is a network outage
- 2
Check your consumer unit for tripped MCBs or RCDs — reset any that have tripped
- 3
Report to your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) — find yours at energynetworks.org
- 4
Power Network helpline: 105 (free from any UK phone)
- 5
If it is an emergency (medical equipment, etc.), call 999
- 6
Turn off and unplug sensitive electronics until power returns (surge risk on reconnection)
- 7
Use a torch — not candles near flammable materials
Boiler Failure in Winter
- 1
Check the basics first: boiler pressure (should be 1–1.5 bar), pilot light, any error code on the display
- 2
Reset the boiler using the reset button if it has locked out (hold for 10 seconds) — this resolves minor faults
- 3
Check whether the condensate pipe (external white plastic pipe) is frozen — pour warm (not boiling) water over it
- 4
If no heat is restored, call a Gas Safe registered engineer for an emergency visit
- 5
Use electric heaters in the meantime — prioritise occupied rooms
- 6
Drip your taps slightly to prevent pipes freezing if the home will be very cold overnight
Storm Damage / Roof Emergency
- 1
Stay inside and away from windows during the storm — roof tiles fall and cause serious injury
- 2
After the storm, photograph all damage from ground level before entering the loft or accessing the roof
- 3
Place buckets for any active leaks — protect furniture and electrics immediately
- 4
Call your home insurer before arranging any repairs — they need to authorise costs for insurance claims
- 5
Arrange temporary weatherproofing (tarpaulin) from a roofing contractor as emergency first aid
- 6
Get a full survey and written report from a qualified roofer
Break-In / Intruder
- 1
Call 999 if the intruder is still on the premises — leave the property if safe to do so
- 2
Call 101 (non-emergency police) if the break-in has already occurred and the intruder has gone
- 3
Do not clean up or touch anything until police have attended — this is a crime scene
- 4
Photograph all damage for your insurance claim
- 5
Arrange emergency boarding up of broken windows and doors
- 6
Contact your home insurer to report the incident and begin your claim
- 7
Change locks once repairs are made
Emergency Contacts to Have Ready
Save these in your phone and keep a printed copy somewhere accessible in your home:
| Emergency Type | Organisation | Number | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas leak / emergency | National Gas Emergency Service | 0800 111 999 | Free, 24/7 |
| Power cut | UK Power Networks helpline | 105 | Free from any UK phone |
| Flooding / severe weather | Environment Agency flood line | 0345 988 1188 | 24/7 flood warnings |
| Police emergency | Emergency services | 999 | Intruder, injury |
| Police non-emergency | Local police | 101 | Crime reporting |
Also keep your home insurer's emergency line in your phone — most policies include a 24/7 emergency claims number. Find it on your policy schedule, not just the main customer service number. And read our guide on emergency plumber call-out costs so you know what to expect financially.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first thing to do in any home emergency?+
Ensure everyone is safe first. Get people away from immediate danger. Then address the source of the problem if it is safe to do so — turning off the gas or water. Only then deal with the consequences (clearing up water, boarding up). Never put yourself at risk to save property.
Should I call an emergency tradesperson or my insurer first?+
For immediate safety risks (burst pipe flooding, structural damage), call the tradesperson first to stop the damage. For insurance purposes, notify your insurer as soon as possible — ideally the same day — and before authorising extensive repair work. Many home insurance policies have their own emergency helplines that can dispatch tradespeople.
How much does an emergency plumber cost in the UK?+
Emergency plumber call-out fees in 2026 typically range from £80–£200 for the initial call-out, with hourly rates of £60–£150. Out-of-hours and weekend premiums apply. Always ask for a fixed price or confirmed hourly rate before authorising work. See our full guide on emergency plumber call-out costs.
What should I have ready before a home emergency happens?+
Know where your stopcock (water shut-off) is located. Know where your gas meter isolation valve is. Know where your consumer unit (fuse box) is. Have your home insurance policy number saved in your phone. Keep this list of emergency contacts accessible. Have a torch with working batteries in a known location.
Can I turn off my own gas in an emergency?+
Yes. The gas isolation valve is usually located next to the meter — often in a utility cupboard, basement, or outside in a meter box. Turn the handle 90 degrees so it sits across the pipe (perpendicular = off, parallel = on). Do this and evacuate before calling 0800 111 999 from outside or a mobile away from the property.
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