Gas Leak Detection and Safe Response

Smell for rotten egg or sulfur odor near gas appliances or pipes. Listen for hissing sounds. Watch for dead vegetation near gas lines. For carbon monoxide, recognize symptoms: headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, confusion in multiple household members simultaneously.

Do not dismiss even faint odors. Trust your nose and evacuate if uncertain.

Leave the building immediately. Do not use light switches, phones indoors, doorbells, or any device that creates sparks. Do not start vehicles in garages. Walk directly outdoors to fresh air and move away from the building.

A single spark can ignite leaking gas and cause an explosion. Electronics include cell phones used indoors.

Only attempt this after evacuating. Locate the gas meter on the building exterior. Find the valve handle running parallel to the pipe. Turn it 90 degrees (quarter turn) until perpendicular to the pipe. This closes the gas supply.

If the valve resists turning or you feel unsafe, skip this step and exit immediately.

From outdoors using a cell phone, call emergency services (911) or your gas utility's 24/7 leak line. Provide your address and report the suspected gas leak. Do not re-enter the building.

Licensed professionals must inspect and clear the building. Never relight pilot lights yourself during a gas emergency.

If carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, seek immediate medical attention after evacuation. Doctors can test blood CO levels and identify delayed symptoms or organ damage. CO exposure requires professional medical assessment.

CO symptoms may appear hours after exposure. Medical evaluation is essential regardless of how you feel.