What to do in a natural gas outage

Gas outages are less common than power outages but take longer to fix, because gas cannot be switched back on remotely for every home. This guide explains what to do if your gas stops, what to do if you smell gas, and how restoration works. For user reports in your area, open your state and city gas outage page.

If you smell gas

Natural gas has an added odor like rotten eggs. If you smell it:

  1. Leave the building immediately. Do not switch lights or appliances on or off, and do not use phones inside.
  2. Do not start a car in an attached garage.
  3. Once you are outside and well away, call 911 or your gas utility’s emergency line.
  4. Do not go back in until responders say it is safe.

Why gas outages happen

Excavation damage is a leading cause: digging without calling 811 first cuts service lines. Safety shutoffs follow leak reports, fires or flooding. Planned work on mains and meters is usually announced with door tags. Equipment problems with a meter or regulator can affect a single address. Supply or pressure problems during extreme cold are rare but can affect wider areas.

Why restoration takes longer than electricity

When gas pressure is lost, air can enter the lines and pilot lights go out. To restore service safely, the utility repairs the problem, purges and re-pressurizes the lines, and then often has to visit each home to turn the meter back on, check for leaks and relight appliances. That is why you may need to be home, and why a gas outage affecting many homes can take several days to fully restore.

Relighting pilot lights

If the utility shut your gas off at the meter, let it turn service back on. After that, many modern appliances relight automatically. If yours has a manual pilot, follow the instructions on the appliance label. If you are unsure, smell gas, or the pilot will not stay lit, stop and call a technician.

Staying warm without gas

  • Gather everyone in one room with few windows and close off the rest of the house.
  • Use electric space heaters only if they have tip-over shutoff, and keep them away from curtains and bedding.
  • Never use a gas oven, stovetop, grill or outdoor heater to heat indoors.
  • Check CO alarms, dress in layers and check on elderly neighbors.
  • Open cabinet doors under sinks on outside walls to reduce the risk of frozen pipes.

Preparing ahead

  • Know where your gas meter and shutoff valve are, but only turn it off if you smell gas or are told to.
  • Save your gas utility’s emergency number.
  • Call 811 before any digging project.
  • Keep a backup way to cook, such as an electric kettle or hot plate.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be home when gas service is restored?

Often yes. If gas was shut off at the meter, a technician may need access to check for leaks and relight appliances.

How long does a gas outage last?

A small repair can be fixed in hours. Wider outages that need lines purged and every home visited can take days.

Is it safe to use my gas stove if the power is out?

Many gas burners can be lit with a match if the igniter is electric, but follow the manufacturer’s instructions and never use the stove or oven to heat your home.

Other outage guides