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How Do I Report a Gas Leak After Storm or Fire Damage?

Last updated October 31, 2026

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The short answer

Immediate Actions When You Suspect a Leak

If you smell the rotten egg odor of gas or hear a hissing sound after a storm or fire, act fast for safety. Do not turn on lights, use a lighter, or operate any electrical device. These actions can create a spark that might ignite the gas. Evacuate everyone from the home immediately and move to a safe location away from the structure.

Call 911 from outside or from a neighbor's home. Tell the emergency operator you suspect a natural gas leak and provide your exact address. If you know your gas utility provider, you can also contact their emergency number. Do not go back inside to retrieve belongings or to make the call, as every second counts when gas is present.

Who to Contact for a Gas Emergency

Emergency services are your first call for any gas leak, as they can secure the area and respond to any immediate danger. Fire departments are trained to handle gas emergencies and can help ventilate the area. They will also contact the gas utility if needed. Your priority is to let the professionals manage the hazardous situation.

Your local gas utility company is responsible for the gas lines up to your meter. They have personnel to locate and repair leaks. Keep their emergency number saved in your phone or written down. After initially calling 911, you or the responders should notify the utility so they can shut off the gas at the source.

  • Call 911 from a safe location away from the building.
  • Contact your local gas utility's emergency number.
  • Do not attempt to locate or stop the leak yourself.
  • Warn neighbors to evacuate if you suspect a large leak.
  • Follow all instructions from emergency personnel on scene.
  • Wait for official clearance before considering re-entry.

Stay Safe While Waiting for Help

Never assume a minor gas smell is harmless. Gas can accumulate and reach explosive concentrations quickly. Avoid any action that could create a spark, including starting a car, using a garage door opener, or plugging in an extension cord near the home. If you are outside when you detect the leak, stay upwind and keep others away from the area.

Do not try to shut off your own gas valve unless you have been specifically trained and can do so safely from outside. In many cases, the main shutoff valve is located inside, making entry dangerous. Let the fire department or utility personnel perform this task. Your safety and the safety of others depends on you staying clear.

After the Gas Is Secured and Repaired

Once the gas leak is stopped and the area is declared safe, you may be allowed to re-enter. However, your home may have sustained other damage from the initial storm or fire that caused the leak. Look for signs of structural compromise, water intrusion, or electrical hazards before fully occupying the space. A thorough inspection is often needed.

  • Wait for official clearance from the fire department or utility.
  • Inspect for secondary damage like water from fire hoses.
  • Have a qualified plumber check all gas lines and appliances.
  • An electrician should inspect wiring for safety.
  • Contact local water damage pros for drying and mitigation.
  • Document all damage for your insurance claim process.

Handling Insurance and Restoration Steps

Documentation is crucial after any disaster. Take photos and videos of all damage, including any area near the gas leak, before any cleanup begins. This evidence is important for your insurance claim. Make a list of damaged items and keep receipts for any immediate expenses, like temporary lodging. Notify your insurance company about the incident promptly.

Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. They can explain the claims process. For the physical restoration of water or fire damage, local water damage pros can handle drying, cleaning, and repairs. The pros follow industry standards. Always prioritize repairs that ensure long-term safety.

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Frequently asked questions

What does natural gas smell like?

Utility companies add a chemical called mercaptan to give gas a distinctive, sulfur-like odor similar to rotten eggs. This strong smell is a deliberate safety feature to make leaks easy to detect. If you notice this odor, treat it as an emergency even if you do not hear any sound.

Can I turn off my own gas main?

Only if the shutoff valve is clearly accessible from outside your home and you have the proper tool and knowledge. In an emergency, it is usually safer to evacuate and let the fire department or utility personnel handle it. Attempting to shut it off could put you in danger if gas has accumulated.

Who pays for damage from a gas leak?

This depends on the leak's cause and your insurance policies. Your homeowner's insurance may cover resulting damage. The gas utility might be responsible if the leak originated in their lines. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Keep all documentation and communicate with both your insurer and the utility company.

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