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If someone needs immediate help with natural gas leak, use emergency mode.
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DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Smell of gas from piped natural gas connection, meter, or stove.
The essentials if you need to act right now.
No electrical switches. Shut gas if safe. Get out. Call utility from outside.
What might I see? Observable signs — no diagnosis required.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Rotten egg smell near stove, meter, or gas heater.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Hissing at pipe joints or dead vegetation above buried line outdoors.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Dizziness or headache in basement with gas appliances.
Optional deeper explanation — not required to act.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Natural gas is lighter than air — it rises and accumulates near ceilings.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Odorant added makes leak detectable by smell before dangerous levels.
Check the scene before you approach.
Civilian-safe actions you can take.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Extinguish any open flames — do not relight pilot lights.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Turn off gas at wall valve or meter if accessible without delay.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Move everyone outside without using elevator.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call piped gas company emergency from safe distance.
When and how to get professional help.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Evacuate and let utility locate and repair leak. Do not operate building systems.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Gas utility emergency number from bill or website — call from outside.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 101 if explosion risk high or injuries present.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Report meter number if visible from outside.
Dangerous actions, when not to attempt rescue, and common myths.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT operate light switches or garage door openers.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT attempt DIY repair on leaking pipe.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT assume smell is from neighbor — evacuate and report.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Light a candle to test where the gas leak is
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Open flame ignites gas instantly. Evacuate and call utility from outside.
Other scenarios in the same family.
Mixed chemicals
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Bleach and acid, bleach and ammonia, or other cleaners were mixed and fumes are rising.
CO alarm
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Your carbon monoxide detector is beeping or alarming.
CO poisoning
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — People show signs of carbon monoxide poisoning from heater, generator, or enclosed fire.
Child electrical shock
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A child has touched an electrical socket, bitten a cord, or pulled a live plug.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Keep people and vehicles away from building front if leak suspected at meter.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do not re-enter until utility technician tests and clears.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — If person collapsed inside — call 101, do not re-enter yourself.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Gas exposure with unconsciousness is life-threatening — professional rescue required.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Medical evaluation for headache, nausea after exposure.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Immediate explosion and fire.