Natural Gas Smell Information - Peoples Gas

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24 hours a day / 7 days a week

What is an Emergency?

Gas leaks, an odor of gas, damaged lines, and carbon monoxide symptoms are all considered emergencies. If you have an emergency, call our emergency hotline at 1-800-400-4271 . Our personnel are ready to assist you 24/7. When in doubt, call us immediately. 

If you smell gas, do not attempt to locate the leak. Instead, leave the house or building right away. Do not turn on or off any electrical switches, appliances, or lights, as an electrical charge could create a spark. When you are in a safe place, call the Peoples emergency hotline.

Learn More  Outage Map Close Alert What if I smell gas?

If you smell gas, or if you see or hear any of the warning signs below, leave your house immediately. Do not turn on or off any electrical switches, appliances, or lights, as it could create a spark. Call our emergency number at 1-800-400-4271 or dial 911.

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In some instances, the smell of gas may be present naturally. However, leaks can occur, and we want to make sure they are resolved as quickly as possible. Natural gas is odorless, but an additive called mercaptan is included to alert people of leaks. Mercaptan has a highly recognizable, sulfur-like, "rotten egg" odor used to help people detect a leak.

If you do notice that "rotten egg" smell and suspect a natural gas leak, do not try to find the source of the leak yourself, but leave the building or area and call the 24-hour emergency Peoples number at 1-800-400-4271, or call your local emergency response number. Then stay in a nearby area until a gas company representative or emergency responder arrives, or let the company know where you can be reached.

Even though natural gas has a highly-recognizable added odor, don’t rely on your nose alone. Be alert for any of these gas leak warning signs below:

• The distinctive odor of natural gas
• Continuous bubbling in water
• A hissing, whistling, or roaring sound
• Dead or dying vegetation (in an otherwise moist area) over or near a pipeline
• Dirt or water being thrown into the air
• An exposed pipeline after an earthquake, fire, flood, or other disaster

If you observe any of the above conditions, call the Peoples emergency phone number at 1-800-400-4271 and 911 from a safe location.

• I Smell Gas
• What to Do
• What Not to do
• More About Gas Leaks

To Report an Emergency

Call 1.800.400.4271 (24 hours/7 days)

Please use this line ONLY for emergencies.

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