Household safety tips

 
Indoor gas leaks

If you smell a faint odor of natural gas, look for a pilot light that's out on a gas range, water heater, or furnace. If you see one, turn the appliance off and open windows—top and bottom—to let the gas escape. Wait five minutes before relighting the pilot.

  • Don't turn electrical switches on or off, light a match or use a flashlight or telephone because an electric arc could ignite the gas, causing an explosion.
  • If the odor is strong or persistent, do not open windows; instead, get everyone outdoors immediately.
  • Don't try to relight a gas furnace, water heater or range until you are sure there's no more smell of gas.
  • If you smell gas and can't find the source immediately, leave the house, go to a safe location and call your local gas utility and 911.

back to previous pageNext page