What to Do If You Smell Gas

Immediate Steps

When you suspect a gas leak, act quickly but calmly:

• Don't create sparks. Don't flip light switches on or off, plug or unplug anything, use a lighter, or start a vehicle in an attached garage. Even a small spark can ignite natural gas.
• Don't use your phone inside. Cell phones can theoretically produce sparks. Wait until you're well away from the building.
• Open doors and windows on your way out if you can do so without delay. This helps disperse gas.
• Don't try to find the leak yourself. Leave that to the professionals.
• Take everyone with you. Alert others in the building, including neighbors in multi-unit housing.

Who to Call

Call 911 first from outside the building or from a neighbor's home. Then call your gas utility's emergency line — this is available 24/7 and there's no charge for a gas leak investigation. Your utility's emergency number is on your gas bill. If you don't have it handy, 911 dispatch can contact them for you.

What Happens Next

Once you've reported the leak, here's what to expect:

• A technician will be dispatched — most utilities treat gas leak calls as emergencies and respond quickly, often within an hour.
• They'll use a combustible gas indicator (CGI) to measure gas concentrations in and around the building.
• If a leak is confirmed, the utility may shut off gas to the building or the affected section of the line. They'll ventilate the area and pinpoint the source.
• Repairs depend on the location — utility-side leaks (in the main or service line) are the utility's responsibility. Leaks in customer-owned piping or appliances are yours to fix with a licensed plumber.

Returning to Your Home

Don't go back inside until a utility technician or first responder gives you explicit clearance. Once you're cleared:

• Have a licensed technician inspect gas appliances before using them, especially if the gas was shut off.
• Re-light pilot lights according to the manufacturer's instructions, or have a professional do it.
• Continue to monitor for smells over the next few days. If the odor returns, report it again.

For Tenants

Your landlord is legally required to maintain gas systems in habitable condition. If you report a gas smell and your landlord doesn't act:

• Call your gas utility's emergency line directly — they'll respond regardless of landlord involvement.
• Document everything: dates, communications, the utility's response.
• Contact your local building or housing code enforcement if gas safety issues persist.