Gas smell emergency guidance
If You Smell Gas, Leave the Area Immediately
Do not investigate, operate switches or appliances, use a phone, start a vehicle, or create a flame in the affected area.
If this may be happening now, leave before reading further.
Leave the building or affected area promptly. Avoid flames, smoking, electrical switches, appliances, phones, vehicles, or anything that could create a spark in the affected area. From a safe location, call 911 or the local gas utility emergency number as directed locally, and do not return until authorized by emergency responders or the utility.
01
Treat odor, hissing, damage, or a utility warning as a possible gas emergency.
Do not stay inside to confirm the source. A strong or unusual gas odor, hissing near a line or appliance, visibly damaged gas equipment, or a warning from the utility is enough to use the emergency path.
If the condition is unclear, prioritize safety and follow local emergency-service and gas-utility instructions.
Odor
An unusual sulfur-like or rotten-egg odor may indicate odorized fuel gas.
Sound
Hissing or roaring near a gas line, meter, appliance, or damaged equipment may indicate escaping gas.
Damage or warning
A damaged line or appliance, excavation incident, fire, alarm, or utility notice requires prompt attention.
02
A fuel-gas concern and carbon monoxide concern are not the same event.
Natural gas and propane are fuels. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless toxic gas produced by incomplete combustion. Odor alone cannot be used to rule carbon monoxide in or out.
If anyone has symptoms that may indicate carbon monoxide poisoning, move to fresh air and contact 911 or local emergency medical help. Follow current public-safety guidance.
| Concern | What may prompt action | Immediate path |
|---|---|---|
| Suspected natural gas or propane leak | Odor, hissing, damaged line or equipment, or utility warning | Leave, avoid ignition, and report from a safe location |
| Suspected carbon monoxide exposure | Alarm or possible symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, or weakness | Move to fresh air and contact 911 or local emergency medical help |
| Unclear condition | Conflicting alarms, symptoms, unusual equipment behavior, or uncertainty | Treat it as a safety issue and follow local emergency guidance |
03
Let the utility or qualified professional determine the source and repair path.
Do not turn gas service or affected equipment back on unless the responsible utility or qualified professional has authorized the action. Keep the incident details, inspection findings, repairs, and any alarm or equipment replacement records.
A connected sensor or app record may be supplementary information, but it does not establish that the area is safe.
04
Keep official contacts, alarms, and maintenance responsibilities current.
Save the gas utility's emergency number before it is needed, and make sure household members know how to leave without delaying to investigate or collect belongings.
Follow current manufacturer and public-safety guidance for fuel-burning equipment, ventilation, alarm selection, placement, testing, replacement, and professional service.
05
Common gas and carbon monoxide safety questions
Does a carbon monoxide alarm detect natural gas or propane?
Do not assume it does. A carbon monoxide alarm is designed for carbon monoxide unless its current exact-model documentation explicitly lists another hazard.
Where can I find my gas utility's emergency number?
Check a current utility bill or the utility's official website and save the number before an emergency. If you suspect a leak now, leave first and call from a safe location.
Can a smart detector or app replace emergency response?
No. A detector or app may provide supplementary information, but it cannot authorize re-entry or replace emergency responders, the gas utility, or a qualified professional.
Is carbon monoxide the odor added to natural gas?
No. Carbon monoxide is odorless and toxic. The odor associated with fuel gas is a separate warning cue; follow the appropriate emergency guidance for either concern.
Prepare now so the household can act without delay.
Keep official emergency contacts accessible, maintain alarms according to their exact instructions, and make sure everyone in the home knows the exit plan.