Gas Leaks

Learn how to detect a gas leak and what to do in an emergency.
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Gas Leaks

Be Alert and Use Your Senses

Gas leaks can be extremely dangerous. A fire, explosion, property damage or serious bodily injury could occur when natural gas leaks from an appliance, damaged pipeline or gas meter. Be alert to and check for any of the following signs if you suspect a gas leak.

Do you SEE any of the following:  

  • A damaged connection or wire to a gas appliance?
  • Dirt, water or debris being blown in the air?
  • Dead or dying vegetation (near otherwise thriving vegetation) over or near an area with pipelines?
  • A fire or explosion near a pipeline?
  • Exposed pipeline after an earthquake, fire, flood or other disaster?
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Do you HEAR any of the following:

  • Any unusual sounds like hissing, whistling or roaring near an appliance, gas meter or pipeline?

Do you SMELL any of the following:

  • The distinctive odor of natural gas?
  • ⚠Warning: Natural gas has a distinctive odorant added to help people identify leaks. However, you may not always count on smelling natural gas for several reasons, including if you could be suffering from a cold or allergies, or other smells that can mask the scent of natural gas.

Staying Safe from a Gas Leak

If you suspect a natural gas leak, it’s important to act quickly and follow these steps to stay safe:

  • Evacuate the area immediately.
  • From a safe location, call SDG&E at 1-800-411-7343, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week or call 9-1-1.
  • Don’t smoke or light a match/candle or other flame.
  • Don’t turn on electric appliances or lights on or off, operate machinery or use any device that could cause a spark.
  • ⚠Warning: Gas leaking from a plastic pipe can create static electricity that can ignite the gas.
  • Remain Calm.