What To Do If You Smell Gas (Emergency)

Next steps (at a glance)

If you only do 3 things:

  1. Leave the building immediately.

  2. Do not use switches, phones, or flames inside.

  3. Call your gas utility or emergency services from outside.

Urgency level: Emergency
(Any gas smell should be treated as urgent until proven otherwise.)

Short answer

If you smell gas, leave immediately and get help from outside. Natural gas and propane can ignite easily, and even a small spark can cause serious damage.

Do not try to locate the leak yourself.

Why a gas smell matters

Gas used in homes is odorized so leaks are noticeable. A gas smell usually means fuel is escaping where it shouldn’t.

Gas buildup increases the risk of:

  • Fire

  • Explosion

  • Carbon monoxide exposure

  • Structural damage

Because gas is invisible, the smell is the primary warning.

Common sources of gas smells

  • Gas stoves or ovens

  • Furnaces or boilers

  • Water heaters

  • Fireplaces

  • Flexible gas connectors

  • Outdoor meters or supply lines

A smell may be constant or intermittent, and it may be stronger in enclosed areas.

What to do immediately

If you smell gas inside the home:

  • Leave the building right away

  • Do not flip light switches

  • Do not use phones inside

  • Do not light matches or candles

  • Do not try to ventilate before leaving

Once outside and at a safe distance:

  • Call your gas utility’s emergency number or local emergency services

If the smell is outside near the meter, stay away and call the utility company.

What not to do

  • Do not try to “find the leak”

  • Do not reset appliances

  • Do not shut off gas unless instructed and trained

  • Do not assume the smell will pass

Gas issues are not situations to troubleshoot.

Warning signs that increase risk

  • Strong or worsening gas odor

  • Hissing sounds near appliances or meters

  • Dead vegetation near gas lines

  • Symptoms like dizziness or nausea

  • Alarms sounding (gas or CO detectors)

Any of these signs increase urgency.

What happens if a gas smell is ignored

  • Gas concentration can build quickly

  • Ignition risk increases with time

  • Damage can extend beyond the leak source

  • Injuries often occur without warning

Gas incidents escalate fast and unpredictably.

If you don’t want to call a professional yet but want to stay safe

In gas situations, there is no safe “wait and see” option.

Prioritize this:

  • Leave first

  • Call from outside

  • Let professionals assess the situation

Utilities respond to gas calls as safety issues, not service requests.

Common mistakes

  • Trying to ventilate before leaving

  • Assuming a faint smell isn’t serious

  • Using phones or switches indoors

  • Delaying the call “to see if it stops”

Gas safety depends on speed, not certainty.

When to call a professional

Immediately, from outside the home, if:

  • You smell gas

  • A gas detector alarms

  • An appliance smells strongly when operating

Who to call:

  • Your gas utility’s emergency line

  • Local emergency services if unsure

What to expect:
Utility crews typically respond quickly, inspect the area, and secure the source before advising next steps.

Related guides

Disclaimer:
This is general information only. When in doubt, hire a licensed professional or contact emergency services.