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What to do if…
you notice a gas-like smell near an appliance and suspect a gas leak

Short answer

Leave the building immediately, avoid anything that could spark, then call 911 and your gas utility’s (or propane supplier’s) emergency number from outside.

Do not do these things

Do not turn lights on or off, plug/unplug anything, use doorbells, or run appliances.
Do not use matches, lighters, candles, grills, or smoke/vape near the area.
Do not use a phone (cell or landline) until you are outside and away from the building.
Do not try to locate the leak yourself, move the appliance, or tighten fittings.
Do not re-enter the building until emergency responders or the gas utility/propane supplier says it’s safe.

What to do now

Stop what you’re doing and leave. Tell everyone to evacuate (including pets). Move to fresh air a safe distance away.
Avoid sparks as you leave: don’t touch light switches; don’t start a car in an attached garage; don’t use elevators if you can use stairs safely.
Once outside, call for help:
- If you believe there’s immediate danger (strong odor, hissing, anyone feeling ill, you’re in a multi-unit building), call 911.
- Also call your gas utility’s emergency leak number (often a 24/7 line) or your propane supplier if you use propane. Follow their instructions.
Warn others only from a safe outdoor spot. If you can do so without going back inside, tell nearby neighbors to evacuate. Otherwise, rely on 911/fire department/utility to handle evacuation.
If someone feels unwell, keep them in fresh air. Call 911 if symptoms are significant, worsening, or anyone faints/collapses.
Shutting off the gas (only if safe and quick):
- Propane: if you have an outdoor tank and can reach the main valve without moving toward the suspected leak area, turn the tank valve off.
- Natural gas: do not attempt to shut off the meter unless the utility or fire department instructs you to.
If you’re renting or in an apartment complex: after you’re outside and calls are made, notify the property manager/landlord that you evacuated for a suspected gas leak and have contacted 911/utility/supplier.

What can wait

You do not need to figure out which appliance caused it right now.
You do not need to collect belongings beyond what you already have with you.
You do not need to decide on repairs, liability, or reimbursement while the situation is still unsafe.

Important reassurance

It’s common to doubt yourself, especially if the smell is faint. In gas-leak situations, choosing “leave first, call from outside” is a safe default.

Scope note

This covers the first critical steps. After the area is declared safe, a qualified professional may be needed to inspect appliances/lines before anything is used again.

Important note

This is general safety information, not professional advice. Follow instructions from 911 dispatchers, the fire department, and your gas utility/propane supplier. If you suspect a leak, treat it as urgent.

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What to do if…you notice a gas-like smell near an appliance and suspect a gas leak