Do not switch lights or appliances on or off, use a phone, light anything or start a car near the house until the gas utility or fire department says it is safe.
Right now
- Get everyone, including pets, out of the house
- Leave doors open on the way out if it does not slow you down
- Do not operate switches, thermostats, doorbells or garage door openers
- Call the gas utility or 911 from outside, away from the house
- Do not go back in until you are told it is safe
Why these steps matter
Natural gas is odorless, so utilities add a chemical that smells like rotten eggs to make leaks noticeable. A small spark from a switch or phone can ignite gas that has built up indoors.
After the utility has responded
The utility makes the area safe and may shut off service at the meter. Repairing gas lines or appliance connections on the house side of the meter is work for a qualified professional, and gas is normally restored only after the repair is tested.
Preventing the next one
Carbon monoxide alarms on every level and near sleeping areas protect against a related hazard. Having gas appliances and connections checked when they are installed or moved keeps small leaks from starting.