If a home smells like fuel gas, the priority is not finding the leak; it is leaving. Distributed gas is typically odorized so leaks are noticeable. If you clearly smell gas or hear leaking, avoid switches, flames, and phones indoors, evacuate, and contact the gas utility or emergency services from outside.
If the odor is clear, leave without operating electrical devices
Do not turn lights, fans, appliances, or plugs on or off, and do not search for the source by approaching appliances. Get people and pets outside and move away from the building.
Call the appropriate service from outside
Contact the gas utility or emergency services according to the severity of the situation and local guidance. Do not re-enter until authorized personnel say it is safe.
A carbon monoxide alarm does not replace this response
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a different gas and has no odor. A CO alarm is important for combustion hazards, but you should not wait for it to sound before responding to a fuel-gas odor.
If fuel gas is ruled out, investigate other odors separately
Sewer gas, sulfur compounds in water, overheated materials, or some chemicals can create similar odors. Investigate those only after a possible fuel-gas leak has been safely ruled out.
Sources
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission — Winter Weather Safety Tips — If a gas leak is smelled or heard, leave and contact gas authorities from outside without operating electronics indoors.