The first hour
- Leave the building right away. Leave doors open as you go.
- Don't flip light switches, use phones, start cars, or light anything near the leak. A tiny spark can ignite gas.
- Once you're far away, call 911 or your gas company's emergency number.
- Don't go back in until the gas company or firefighters say it's safe.
The first day
- The gas company will find the leak and relight pilots. Only they should turn the gas back on.
- Get a CO alarm and a natural gas detector if you don't have one.
The first week and beyond
- Have a technician check gas appliances yearly.
- Know where your meter and shut-off are, but only shut off gas if you smell it and it's safe.
Get ready now: checklist
Your checks save on this phone.
Common mistakes
- Calling from inside the house.
- Turning lights on or off.
- Trying to find the leak yourself.
- Turning gas back on yourself.
Keeping kids calm
- Teach kids the rotten egg smell means 'tell a grown-up and go outside.'
- Practice like a fire drill.
Gear that helps
- Natural gas detector
- CO alarm: my pick, Kidde battery CO alarm
- Gas shut-off wrench: my pick, On Duty 4-in-1 Emergency Gas & Water Shut-Off Tool
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