Gas Leak / Utility Emergency
Do this first
- 1Rotten-egg smell, a hissing sound near a gas line, or a carbon monoxide alarm: get everyone and every pet out right now.
- 2Leave doors open behind you if it takes no extra time.
- 3From a safe distance outside, call 911 and your gas utility's emergency line.
- 4Stay out until the utility or fire department says it is safe.
- 5Burst pipe: shut off water at the main valve.
- 6Sparks, burning smell, or electrical fire: if it is safe, switch off power at the breaker, and call 911.
What to grab
- Nothing. Leave first.
- Only your phone if it is in your hand — and don't use it until you are outside.
Where to go
- Outside, upwind, and well away from the building.
- Your meeting spot. Not your garage and not a running car in the garage.
What NOT to do
- Don't flip light switches, use lighters or matches, or run appliances — a spark can ignite gas.
- Don't start a car in an attached garage or use the garage door opener.
- Don't search for the leak or wait to see if the smell goes away.
- Don't waste time at the gas meter — leave first. Only the utility turns gas back on.
- Don't go back in until you are cleared.
- Downed power line: stay 35 feet away and call 911.
All emergenciesGeneral guidance only. In a life-threatening emergency, call 911 and follow instructions from local officials.