Act now
Leave now: possible gas leak
A gas smell is an emergency. Get everyone out first, then call from outside.
Why this happens
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission says to leave your home or building immediately if you smell gas, without turning lights on or off or making calls from inside. Atmos Energy gives the same order: leave the area first, then call 911 and the utility from a safe distance. Do not try to find the leak or relight anything.
Do this now
- Get everyone out of the house now, including pets.
- Do not turn lights or other switches on or off, and do not make calls while inside.
- From a safe distance outside, call 911 and your gas utility.
- Stay out until emergency or utility personnel tell you it is safe to go back in.
What to tell the plumber
- You smelled gas, where it was strongest, and when you noticed it.
- That the water heater is gas-fired and has stopped making hot water.
- Whether anyone worked on the heater or gas line recently.
Build the full list: what to tell the plumber.
Start this troubleshooter over
References (every fact above comes from one of these pages)
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