Natural gas is a naturally-occurring hydrocarbon, composed mostly of methane. It is commonly used for cooking and heating homes. It is both flammable and can displace the amount oxygen in a room which can lead to explosions and asphyxiation respectively. On rare occasions, a natural gas leak could occur inside or outside your home through faulty gas appliances, damaged pipelines, poorly maintained gas lines, or improper installation of gas equipment. That’s why it’s important to recognize the signs of a leak and know what actions are necessary to keep your family and property safe.
| Stay Informed |
| In the event of a natural gas leak, emergency responders will notify those that need to evacuate and when it is safe for them to return. |
| Before |
- Know the signs of a natural gas leak including:
- a distinctive rotten egg or sulphur-like odour,
- damaged connections to your natural gas appliances,
- hissing or whistling noises, and/or
- vegetation that is dying for no reason.
- Learn how to correctly operate your natural gas appliances like the furnace, hot water heater, cooker, and fireplace. Improper use can result in carbon monoxide (CO) emissions.
- Have your natural gas appliances inspected annually.
- Carbon monoxide is a by-product of burning fuel. A carbon monoxide alarm will detect unsafe amounts of carbon monoxide in your home. It will not detect a natural gas leak.
- Consider installing an alternate heating source in your home (e.g. baseboard heaters, wood-burning fireplace) in the event that you are without natural gas for an extended period of time.
- Make an emergency plan including the where your family will assemble if they have to evacuate outside in the event of a gas leak (of fire) as well as the location and operation of your utility shut-offs in case you have to use them.
- Prepare an emergency go-bag as it is likely you’ll have to evacuate your home.
- Review your homeowners or renters insurance to ensure you have adequate insurance for your property and personal belongings in case the disruption results in property damage (e.g. pipes freeze). Know what is covered, the level of coverage, and the deductible.
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| During |
- In the event of a gas leak or suspected gas leak (e.g. smell of rotten eggs), Enbridge customers should leave the area and call 1-866-763-5427 from a safe distance.
- Grab your emergency go-bag if it is safe to do so while evacuating.
- Don’t use phones or electronics near the leak.
- Avoid causing a spark. Do not turn appliances or lights on/off, smoke or use lighters or matches and do not start vehicles or motors.
- If leaking natural gas is burning, call 911—don’t attempt to put the fire out yourself.
- As you exit, leave the door open behind you as well as any windows that may already be open.
- Stay outside until an official says it’s safe to go back in.
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| After |
- If you have evacuated, return home only when authorities say it is safe. Open windows and vents and turn on fans to provide ventilation.
- If your gas has been shut off, don’t try to turn it back on. Only a licensed gas contractor can turn the gas back on safely.
- Evaluate your emergency plan and restock your emergency go-bag if used.
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| Additional Resources |
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