Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
If you smell gas, hear hissing or roaring, or otherwise suspect a leak, leave immediately. Do not search for the leak or stop to operate a valve. Avoid phones, switches, flames, engines and other possible ignition sources in the suspected area. Once you are well away, call 911 and notify the gas utility or pipeline operator.
Only consider closing an exterior meter valve when it is already safely reachable, you can identify the correct valve and its operating method, and doing so will not delay evacuation. Never enter or re-enter a suspected gas-filled building to reach an inside meter. After a shutoff, leave the gas off until the utility or a licensed technician makes the system safe and restores service.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Emergency sequence: leave first, call second
Natural gas can ignite when it mixes with air and encounters a spark or flame. A leak may also collect in an enclosed space without being obvious. Treat the smell of gas, a hissing sound, a roaring sound, or unexplained gas-flow indication as an emergency rather than a troubleshooting exercise.
- Stop what you are doing and move away on foot. Leave the building, room, excavation, garage or other area where gas may be present. Do not try to locate the leak.
- Warn people only if you can do so while moving away. Do not delay your own exit, approach a more dangerous area or re-enter to search for someone.
- Do not create an ignition source. In the suspected leak area, do not use a telephone or cell phone, operate light switches or garage-door openers, light a match, create a flame, start an engine or operate electrical equipment. Do not drive into a vapor cloud or suspected leak.
- Call 911 from a safe location. Use a neighbor’s home or another place well away from the suspected leak. PHMSA’s emergency guidance says: “If this is a Pipeline emergency or you smell gas, move to a safe location and call 911.”
- Notify the gas utility or pipeline company when it is safe. Give the dispatcher the address, what you noticed and whether anyone may still be inside. Follow the emergency operator’s instructions.
- Stay out until officials clear the area. If gas is burning, do not attempt to extinguish the fire. Wait for fire and emergency professionals.
These priorities are consistent with guidance from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and its pipeline-emergency response guidance.
Popular on Amazon
- Valued Carpenter Pencil Set: You will get 2 pcs solid carpenter pencils with 26 piece 2.8 mm refills, 1 replaceable sharpener, 1 plastic storage box.The complete carpenter pencils combination allows you to finish your work faster and more easily
- Deep Hole Marker Pencil: The deep-hole construction pencils adopts 45mm elongated tip design, which is more convenient to mark in the small hole or in other tight areas that other carpenter markers cannot reach
- Carpenter Pencils with Sharpener: The sharpener is screwed into the top of the work pencil, which won't get lost either. Built-in pencil sharpener that keep the lead with pointed and smooth to Improves line of sight in fine work
- Stronger Solid Lead: This work pencil is matched with a 2.8 mm thick lead , which is much thicker and stronger during the drawing process of construction work, it will not break or damage easily
- Marks on Various Surfaces: 3 colors solid construction pencil can marks on various surfaces,such as metal, plastic, wood, paper etc. Ideals for woodworkers, contractors, craftsmen, builders, merchants and masons
When shutting the meter off is appropriate
Closing a gas meter is a conditional step, not the first response. It is appropriate only when all of the following are true:
- The valve is outside and already safely accessible.
- You know which valve controls the gas service and how that valve operates.
- You can reach it without entering a building, garage, confined space, vapor cloud or other suspected leak area.
- Reaching it will not delay evacuation, a 911 call or warnings to others.
- Local emergency officials or the utility have not given different instructions.
If any condition is uncertain, leave the gas on and get outside help. A shutoff wrench does not make it safe to approach a leak. Do not walk toward a meter merely because you have heard that closing it may stop the flow.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Exterior meter valve that is safely reachable
The Ready.gov/FEMA CERT Basic Training manual illustrates closing an exterior meter valve with a proper non-sparking wrench by turning the valve clockwise one-quarter turn. This is an illustration of the valve shown in that manual, not a universal instruction for every meter, regulator or service arrangement. Meter designs and local procedures differ, so the utility’s directions control.
If you do close a known exterior valve, turn it only as directed, then leave the area. Do not spend time checking appliances, hunting for the leak or trying to make additional adjustments. Tell 911 responders and the utility that the valve was closed and describe its location if you know it.
Meter inside the building
Do not remain in or re-enter a building where gas may be present to reach an inside meter. Ready.gov advises shutting an inside meter only when local authorities instruct it. If you smell gas indoors, or a meter indicates flow while appliances are off, evacuate and call 911 from outside.
An occupied building with a suspected gas leak should be evacuated even if the meter is nearby. Responders can isolate the service with appropriate equipment and atmospheric testing.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesAlso popular on Amazon
- Ergonomically Designed: Work in tight areas with a compact design that gets into tough spots
- Both tools are designed to fit into difficult to reach spaces
- Complete a wide range of applications with a high-performance motor that delivers up to 300 UWO, and an impact driver delivering up to 1,400 in-lbs of torque
- Both the DEWALT impact driver and drill driver feature integrated LED work lights with a convenient 20-second delay, ensuring enhanced visibility in dimly lit or challenging work areas
- One-Handed Loading - Keep one hand free with a 1/4 in. hex chuck that accepts 1 in. bit tips
What “I smell gas” means in practice
Utilities odorize natural gas so a leak may be noticed as a sulfur-like or rotten-egg smell. You do not need to identify the exact odor, estimate its concentration or prove that the source is natural gas before leaving. A hissing or roaring sound, a damaged service line, bubbling at a damaged outdoor line or a gas-flow indication when appliances are off can also justify emergency action.
Use the literal information that dispatchers need: “I smell gas,” “I hear a hissing sound,” or “I see damage near the gas line.” State whether the concern is inside, outside, near a meter, near construction or near a pipeline, and whether anyone may be trapped. Do not delay the call to gather more evidence.
Ignition sources to avoid while leaving
A switch, motor or phone can produce a small spark even when it appears to work normally. In the suspected leak area:
- Do not make or answer a phone call.
- Do not turn lights on or off.
- Do not use a garage-door opener, doorbell or other electrical control.
- Do not light cigarettes, candles, matches or burners.
- Do not start a car, generator, tool, appliance or other engine.
- Do not operate electrical tools or equipment.
- Do not drive through a vapor cloud or toward a suspected leak.
Leave doors and windows alone if operating them would slow your exit or require you to move toward the suspected gas. PHMSA’s 1997 interpretation acknowledged competing procedures and found insufficient reason to challenge instructions that tell occupants to exit promptly without stopping to open doors or windows. That interpretation concerns operator procedures, not a universal command for every household; in an emergency, leave quickly and follow the utility or emergency authority’s directions.
Recommended Free Tools
Decision table: which action fits your situation?
| Situation | Action | Do not do |
|---|---|---|
| Gas smell or hissing indoors | Evacuate on foot, call 911 from a safe location and notify the utility. | Do not search for the leak, operate switches or re-enter for a meter. |
| Gas smell outdoors near a building or service line | Move away, keep others away if you can do so safely, then call 911. | Do not walk toward the odor, drive through a vapor cloud or investigate with tools. |
| Exterior meter is clearly accessible from a safe route; you know the valve and local procedure | Only if it does not delay evacuation or the call, close it as directed and leave. | Do not approach the meter through the suspected leak area or guess which valve to turn. |
| Meter is inside a possibly contaminated building | Stay outside and wait for authorities or the utility. | Do not re-enter to reach the meter. |
| Gas is burning | Evacuate and call 911; wait for fire professionals. | Do not attempt to extinguish the fire or shut a valve in danger. |
| You are unsure about the valve, tool or local instructions | Leave the gas on, evacuate and request professional help. | Do not experiment with the meter. |
How to recognize a meter shutoff without taking risks
Gas meters commonly have a service shutoff near the inlet, but the exact arrangement varies by utility and property. Some valves require a dedicated wrench; some may be enclosed, difficult to access or arranged differently from the diagram in a preparedness manual. The presence of a wrench or a valve does not prove that it is safe to use during a leak.
Before an emergency, ask your gas utility where the service shutoff is, whether it is intended for customer operation and what local procedure applies. Learn this from the utility’s instructions rather than from a generic diagram. Do not test the valve during a suspected leak, and do not remove covers or alter utility equipment.
Also popular on Amazon
- 【Great Compatibility】This Katerk 1/4 inch hex shank bit holder is specifically designed for 1/4 inch hex shank drill bits. It's compatible with most 1/4 fast hex handles, hex sockets, various electric screwdrivers, and handheld screwdrivers. The bit holder makes it a valuable addition for any handyman.
- 【Secure and Safe】Built with a secure backup nut design, each drill bit holder securely locks onto your bits, ensuring they stay firmly in place. Additionally, our bit holder incorporates a high-quality steel ball rolling design that holds up to several kilograms of weight, ensuring your various drill bits don't fall off.
- 【Easy One-Handed Operation】The bit holder for impact driver allows you to change bits single-handedly, simplifying your workflow. Its multi-color design further allows for quick identification of the drill bit you need.
- 【Compact and Convenient】Thanks to its compact size, this 1/4 inch bit holder is easy to carry around. The bit holder allows for easy attachment to various tools, making this a convenient addition to your construction accessories. The Katerk bit holder is cast from high-quality alloy material, promising a long product lifespan. Despite its rugged strength, the bit holder remains lightweight, making it portable.
- 【Cool Christmas Gift For Men Stocking Stuffers】 This screwdriver bit holder, driver bit holder, impact bit holder, can be given as a gift to your loved one, especially for anyone involved in construction or electrical work. It's a must-have for stocking stuffers for men and women, tools gifts for dad, tech gadgets for men, gifts for dad, gifts for him, gifts for husband, gifts for boyfriend, cool gadgets for men, and cool gifts for dad.
After the gas has been shut off
- Leave the valve off. Do not turn it back on to test an appliance, relight a pilot or check whether the odor has gone.
- Tell responders and the utility. Report when and how the shutoff was made, without returning to inspect it.
- Wait for professional assessment. The utility or emergency officials must determine whether the leak source, building atmosphere, appliances and piping are safe.
- Have a licensed technician restore service. Ready.gov states that only a licensed technician should restore natural-gas flow after a shutoff.
- Do not re-enter until cleared. An odor that fades does not prove that the space is safe; ventilation, testing and repairs may still be required.
For pipeline or incident-reporting information, PHMSA provides general contacts through its Incident Reporting page. In an active emergency, call 911 first rather than using an online form or waiting for a non-emergency response.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Common mistakes that make a gas emergency worse
Trying to find the leak
Searching with a flashlight, opening cabinets, checking appliances or following the odor can take you deeper into a hazardous atmosphere. Leave the diagnosis to trained responders.
Calling from inside
Even if the phone is already in your hand, carry it outside before calling. Do not assume that a cell phone is safe merely because it is not plugged in; the instruction is to avoid using phones in the suspected leak area.
Stopping to open windows
Opening a window may sound helpful, but it can delay evacuation and require movement toward the gas. Exit promptly unless emergency personnel give a specific local instruction.
Turning a valve because it is nearby
A person who cannot identify the correct valve or safe route should not guess. Turning the wrong control, approaching a leak or remaining in the area to manipulate a tool creates additional risk.
Relighting appliances after the odor disappears
Odor can dissipate without the leak being repaired. Leave appliances and the meter alone until the utility and a licensed technician authorize restoration.
Also popular on Amazon
- Long Nib and Deep Hole Marker: Our mechanical carpenter pencil with 45mm nib is designed for easy marking of deep holes or narrow areas. These construction pencils are the great choice for woodworking tools, construction tools, carpenter tools, contractor tools, wood carpentry tools and architect tools
- Extra Refills in 2 Colors for Versatile Marking: The construction mechanical pencil comes with 12 extra 2.8mm refills, including 6 red and 6 black refills. The black refill is suitable for light surfaces, while the red wax is perfect for dark surfaces. Our carpenter mechanical pencil makes sure that you'll have an ample supply for extended use
- Built-in Sharpener: Our construction pencil comes with a built-in sharpener to ensure the mechanical pencil tip is always sharp and ready for use. Never buy an extra pencil sharpener again. A great tool for any woodworker pencil, contractor pencils. The refill can easily be extended or retracted with a simple click of the pencils mechanical, allowing you to work more efficiently and accurately
- Portable Clip Design: Our deep hole construction pencil features a portable clip design, easy to carry and attach to your pocket or tool box, so that you can keep the carpenter pencils mechanical close at hand, making it a convenient tool to have on the go. Great gifts choice for carpenters
- Stronger Pencil Lead: The black refills are made of lead, sturdy and smooth. The red refills are made of wax, clear and light. These marking pencils are much thicker and stronger than normal pencils during the marking process of construction work, suitable for various surfaces, such as glasses, metal, boards, floors, walls, furniture, etc. The written marks can be easily wiped with a wet paper towel when needed
Assuming a burning leak should be extinguished
A gas flame can indicate that gas is escaping. Extinguishing it without isolating the supply can allow unburned gas to accumulate. Evacuate and let fire and utility professionals manage the incident.
Preparedness before an emergency
Preparation should make evacuation and communication faster, not encourage untrained intervention.
- Save the gas utility’s emergency number and your address where household members can find them.
- Ask the utility how to identify the service shutoff and whether customers are expected to operate it.
- Know two ways out of the building and choose an outdoor meeting point well away from the meter and any suspected leak.
- Teach everyone to recognize “I smell gas” and “I hear a hissing sound” as instructions to leave, not investigate.
- If the utility recommends one, keep the correct non-sparking shutoff wrench where it can be reached without entering a hazardous area. A tool is optional preparedness equipment; it never makes approaching a leak safe.
- For a construction or renovation project, keep the gas utility’s contact information with the site emergency plan and brief workers on evacuation routes before work begins. Never disturb a gas service, meter or line unless the responsible utility or qualified professional has authorized the work.
What to tell 911 and the utility
Once you are at a safe distance, provide concise, actionable information:
- The exact address or nearest landmark.
- Whether the odor or sound is inside, outside, near a meter, near a service line or near a pipeline.
- What you noticed: smell, hissing, roaring, visible damage or a gas-flow indication.
- Whether gas is burning, anyone may still be inside or anyone is injured.
- Whether an exterior valve was closed, and who closed it.
- Your safe callback location or number, if the dispatcher requests it.
Do not return to obtain a meter number, photograph, tool or personal item. If you do not know an answer, say so and remain available from the safe location.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Why local instructions take priority
Natural-gas service layouts, meter locations, valve designs and utility responsibilities differ by jurisdiction. Ready.gov’s CERT diagram is useful for understanding one common exterior-meter arrangement, but it cannot replace the instructions for your property. PHMSA’s Interpretation # PI-97-007 also illustrates why emergency procedures must be read in context: it addressed operator procedures in 1997 and did not establish one universal household rule about windows, valves or evacuation routes.
When a dispatcher, fire department or utility representative gives a direction that differs from a general preparedness explanation, follow the official local direction if it can be done safely. If no one is available yet, the universal first steps remain evacuation, avoidance of ignition sources and a 911 call from a safe location.
A short script for an emergency
From outside and away from the suspected leak, say: “I smell gas at [address]. I [do/do not] hear hissing. The concern is [inside/outside/near the meter]. [Anyone inside, injuries or fire]. I have [not] closed an exterior meter valve.” Then follow the dispatcher’s instructions and do not return until authorities clear the area.
Quick Recap
Key distinctions to remember
- Evacuation is mandatory when gas is suspected; meter operation is conditional.
- An exterior valve may be closed only from a safe, known route and only when doing so does not delay the emergency response.
- An inside meter is not a reason to re-enter. Wait for authorities.
- A shutoff is not a repair. The utility and a licensed technician must assess the system and restore service.
- Faded odor is not clearance. Re-entry requires official confirmation that the area is safe.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
