Act now
Emergency: leave now and call from outside
A gas smell, smoke or flames, a sounding carbon monoxide alarm, or anyone feeling dizzy or sick means get everyone outside now, then call 911 from outside.
Why this happens
The American Gas Association says utilities add mercaptan, which smells like rotten eggs, so a gas leak is easy to notice, and that you should leave the building and take others with you. DTE Energy says a leak can also make a blowing or hissing sound, and that some people cannot smell the odor, so do not rely on your nose alone. The American Red Cross rule for a fire is get out, stay out and call 911. CDC says carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless and lists headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain and confusion as the most common symptoms.
Do this now
- Get everyone outside now, pets included. Do not stop to look for the cause or to gather your things.
- If you smell gas, do not touch light switches or appliances, do not use a flashlight, and do not use a phone inside. The American Gas Association says do not light a match, do not start a car and do not use a telephone, and to find a phone away from the area. Slant/Fin's boiler manual says not to try to light any appliance.
- Once you are well away from the building, call 911 or your gas utility's emergency line. DTE Energy says to call 911 first and then the utility.
- If you see smoke or flames, the Red Cross says never to open a door that is warm to the touch. If smoke blocks your way out, stay in a room with the door closed, put a wet towel under the door, call 911 and signal from a window.
- If a carbon monoxide alarm is sounding or anyone has symptoms, CPSC says to get to fresh air immediately and then call 911. CDC says people who are asleep can die before they have symptoms.
- Stay outside until the fire department or the gas utility says it is safe. DTE Energy says not to go back in before then.
- After you are cleared to go back in, have an HVAC technician or licensed heating contractor check your boiler or heater before you use it again. CDC says to have heating systems serviced by a qualified technician every year.
When to stop. Do not go back inside, even if the smell fades or the alarm stops, until the fire department or the gas utility says it is safe.
What to tell the HVAC technician
- What you smelled, saw or heard, where it was strongest, and when it started.
- Whether the boiler or heater was running.
- Whether a carbon monoxide alarm sounded and whether anyone felt unwell.
- What the gas utility or fire department found, so you can pass it to the HVAC technician or licensed heating contractor.
Build the full list: what to tell the HVAC technician.
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