The short answer
Act Fast and Get Out
The first step in a gas leak emergency is to get everyone out of the house right away. Do not stop to open windows or turn off appliances. Your sense of smell is your right warning, so trust it if you notice that rotten egg odor.
Once you are outside, move to a safe distance away from the building. Keep the whole family together and make sure no one goes back inside. If you have a phone, call your gas utility's emergency number from outside, not from inside the house.
Do Not Touch Anything
Gas is highly flammable, and a tiny spark can ignite it. Do not flip light switches, use a flashlight, light a match, or use your cell phone inside the building. Even the act of walking can create static electricity, so keep movements slow and calm.
Do not start your car if it is in the garage. Do not open the garage door with the electric opener. Leave all doors and windows as they are. Your only job is to get everyone out safely and call for help from a safe spot.
- Do not turn on or off any lights
- Do not use a phone or doorbell
- Do not light any matches or lighters
- Do not start a car or use power tools
- Do not use an elevator, take the stairs instead
Know Your Shutoff Valve
Every home has a gas shutoff valve, usually located near the gas meter. If you know where it is and can reach it safely, you may turn it off, but only if you can do so without putting yourself in danger. Turning the valve a quarter turn so it is perpendicular to the pipe stops the flow.
If you live in Caldwell, keep your shutoff valve location written down and share it with everyone in your household. In a semi-arid climate with cold winters and hot dry summers, gas appliances are used heavily, so knowing this location matters. Do not attempt to turn it off if it requires a wrench you do not have or if the area is filled with gas.
Call the Right People
Your gas utility company has a 24-hour emergency number, which is usually printed on your monthly bill or on their website. Call them from a neighbor's phone or a safe distance away. They will send a professional to shut off the gas and check for hazards.
If the leak is inside your home and you suspect water damage from a pipe or appliance, you may also need a plumber to inspect the lines. For water damage that results from a leak, local water damage pros can help with cleanup and drying. But the gas company comes first.
What Not to Do After
Do not go back into the house until the gas company or a qualified professional says it is safe. Even after the gas is off, the building may have other hazards like water damage from a burst pipe or structural issues. Do not turn the gas back on yourself; only a professional should do that.
If you have any water damage from the leak, such as a wet floor from a pipe that burst, you may need water damage inspection and cleanup. Local water damage pros can assess the extent and help dry out the area. Your insurance company may cover some costs, but policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.
- Do not re-enter until cleared by a professional
- Do not turn the gas back on yourself
- Do not ignore signs of water damage
- Do not use appliances until checked
- Do not delay in calling your insurance company
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Water keeps spreading into floors and walls, so it is worth acting early. Calls are answered 24/7.
Call Now (208) 729-2441Frequently asked questions
What does a gas leak smell like?
Natural gas has no smell, so gas companies add a chemical that smells like rotten eggs or sulfur. If you notice this odor, treat it as a leak. If you are unsure, leave the building and call your gas utility from outside. It is better to be safe.
Can I fix a gas leak myself?
No, do not try to repair a gas line or appliance yourself. Gas work requires special training and tools to be done safely. Turn off the gas at the valve if you can, then call a qualified plumber or your gas utility. Do not attempt any repairs.
What should I do if I hear a hissing sound?
A hissing sound near a gas line or appliance is a warning sign. Leave the area immediately, do not touch anything, and call your gas utility from a safe distance. A hiss can indicate a significant leak, so do not wait to see if it stops.