What to do if you smell gas
If you smell gas at home, which usually smells like rotten eggs, leave straight away with everyone, leaving switches, lights and appliances exactly as they are. Do not use a phone, lighter or doorbell inside. Once you are well away from the building, call 911 or your gas utility's emergency line, and stay out until responders say it is safe.
About 5 minutes to learnSafety critical: tightly scoped, know when to call a professional
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How to do it
- Stop what you are doing and get everyone, and pets, out of the building now.
- Leave lights, switches, appliances and the thermostat exactly as they are; switching anything on or off can spark.
- Do not light a match or lighter, and do not start a car in an attached garage.
- Leave the door open behind you if that is quick and easy, and walk well away from the building.
- From outside and at a distance, call 911 or the gas utility's emergency number.
- Warn neighbors if the smell is strong outdoors, and keep people away.
- Stay out until the gas utility or fire department tells you it is safe to go back.
Stop and call a professional if
- Every time you smell gas: leave, then call 911 or the gas utility's emergency line from outside.
- Anyone feels dizzy, nauseous or has a headache: tell the dispatcher and move them to fresh air.
- You hear hissing from a meter or line outdoors: move away and call.
Common mistakes
- Searching for the source of the smell yourself.
- Opening every window and staying inside.
- Calling from inside the home.
- Assuming someone else has already reported it.
- Turning appliances off at the wall or flipping a breaker on the way out.
Quick self-check
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Teach this to someone
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Teach: What to do if you smell gas
What to say
If you smell gas at home, which usually smells like rotten eggs, leave straight away with everyone, leaving switches, lights and appliances exactly as they are. Do not use a phone, lighter or doorbell inside. Once you are well away from the building, call 911 or your gas utility's emergency line, and stay out until responders say it is safe.
What to show, in order
- Stop what you are doing and get everyone, and pets, out of the building now.
- Leave lights, switches, appliances and the thermostat exactly as they are; switching anything on or off can spark.
- Do not light a match or lighter, and do not start a car in an attached garage.
- Leave the door open behind you if that is quick and easy, and walk well away from the building.
- From outside and at a distance, call 911 or the gas utility's emergency number.
- Warn neighbors if the smell is strong outdoors, and keep people away.
- Stay out until the gas utility or fire department tells you it is safe to go back.
When to stop and call a professional
- Every time you smell gas: leave, then call 911 or the gas utility's emergency line from outside.
- Anyone feels dizzy, nauseous or has a headache: tell the dispatcher and move them to fresh air.
- You hear hissing from a meter or line outdoors: move away and call.
The check question
Ask: You smell gas in the kitchen. What is your first move?
Related skills
- How to test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- What to say when you call 911
- How to pack a go-bag
- Every skill in Home Fixes
Words on this page
Sources
- Your gas utility's safety and emergency instructions, current edition. Checked September 28, 2026.
Last reviewed . First published .