What to do if you smell gas at home
A gas smell at home is an emergency. Don't investigate. Leave.
Do this
- Leave right away. Take people and pets with you.
- Don't turn lights or appliances on or off, and don't use your phone until you're outside. A small spark can set off the gas.
- Once you're away from the building, call 911 or the gas company.
- Don't go back in until they say it's safe.
Don't look for the leak
Don't hunt for the source or the gas shutoff. That's the gas company's job. Your job is to get out and make the call.
Tell your landlord too
After you've called for help, let your landlord or maintenance know so they can follow up with the gas company.
Rent your home? Get the free move-in safety checklist. Own or manage rentals? SaferResident gives every tenant a 20 minute course on this, built around your building.
Sources
- Staying Safer from Natural Gas and Propane Leaks and Explosions (blog, 2025), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
- Survival After the Storm: Stay Alive, Avoid These Deadly Hazards (PDF), U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Neighborhood Safety Network
- Calling 911, National 911 Program, NHTSA Office of EMS (911.gov)
Updated October 1, 2026. General safety information. It doesn't replace your building's safety systems, local codes or your lease. In an emergency, call 911.