Smell Gas? Leave, then call 911 or PSE
If you smell gas or suspect that you have a natural gas leak, leave the area immediately and call PSE at 1-888-225-5773 or dial 911.
How to know you have a gas leak
Smell
In its natural state, natural gas is odorless, tasteless and non-toxic. But because it’s also flammable, PSE adds a distinctive sulfur or “rotten egg” smell to the gas that’s delivered to your home or business. If you’re unfamiliar with this odor (the smell of gas), test the “scratch and sniff” spot inside of the gas safety brochure.
Look and listen
You may also see or hear signs of a gas leak, including:
- Bubbles rising in a puddle or other pool of liquid
- Dust or dirt blowing from a hole in the ground
- Dead or dying vegetation in unexpected locations
- Hissing (small perforation) or roaring (large break)
Natural gas versus carbon monoxide
Both natural gas and carbon monoxide (CO) are naturally odorless and potentially harmful. But unlike natural gas, CO has no added scent to help you detect exposure.
To learn more about CO, visit Carbon Monoxide Safety .
What to do
If you detect or even suspect that you have a natural gas leak:
- Leave the area immediately. If you’re indoors, evacuate the building.
- Call PSE at 1-888-225-5773 or call 911, but don’t use your landline phone, which may cause a spark.
- Don’t do anything else that might create a spark, including flipping any switches on or off.
- PSE will immediately dispatch a technician to check that your area is safe, at no charge.
Brochure request
To request a gas safety brochure, call 1-888-225-5773.