Report a Leak

Natural Gas Leak Response

It’s important to know how to recognize the warning signs of a natural gas leak and to respond safely. Review the information below so you know what to do if you suspect a leak at your home or business.

How to Recognize a Natural Gas Leak

1. Smell

A gas leak will give off a smell of rotten eggs. This is because natural gas is injected with a harmless but odorous substance called mercaptan.

2. Sight

If you see dirt blowing around, bubbling water or discolored vegetation near a buried natural gas line, you may have a leak.

3. Sound

Beware of a hissing or blowing sound near the gas meter, gas appliance or piping.

What To Do If You Suspect a Leak

Move to a safe environment.
Put out any cigarettes, candles or matches.
Don’t switch on any lights or appliances.
Leave your doors open as you exit the building.
Do not assume that someone else will report the condition.
Leave the building, call 911, and then contact us at 1-800-639-8081.

Protect Your Home With Natural Gas Detectors

Your home should already have a carbon monoxide detector and smoke detector. Now it’s time to install a natural gas detector. Natural gas detectors are critical if you or a member of your household is not able to smell natural gas, especially for households with children and the elderly. Natural gas detectors are designed to sense the presence of natural gas in your home, providing an additional layer of protection and peace of mind. Installing natural gas detectors in key areas of your home ensures constant monitoring of air quality, making your living environment safer for everyone.

Installing and Maintaining Natural Gas Detectors

Natural gas detectors are simple and effective devices that are easy to install and maintain. They should be placed in within 12″ of the ceiling in the same room where natural gas appliances are located, such as kitchens, laundry rooms, and near furnaces or water heaters. The detector will alert when gas leaks from an appliance or pipe, or a stove burner is on without a flame.

Your natural gas detector should be certified to Underwriter Laboratory Standard 1484 “Residential Gas Detectors”. Regularly test your detectors to ensure they are working properly, and replace batteries or sensors as recommended by the manufacturer. Detectors often come with indicator lights and audible alarms that alert you when maintenance is needed, making it simple to keep them in top working condition.

If Your Natural Gas Detector Sounds an Alarm

If your natural gas detector goes off, it’s important to remain calm and follow these steps:

Leave the Home Immediately: Safely and quickly exit your home. Do not attempt to find the source of the gas. If you smell gas and your alarm does not activate, also evacuate immediately.
Avoid Using Electronics: Refrain from using electrical switches, phones, or appliances on your way out, as these could trigger sparks.
Open Windows and Doors: If safe to do so, open windows and doors to allow fresh air in and help ventilate the space.
Call for Assistance: Once outside, call 911, and then Vermont Gas at (800) 639-8081 to report the alarm and seek further instructions.
Stay Outside: Do not re-enter the home until professionals have inspected and declared it safe.

Having a plan in place and ensuring that all family members know what to do will help ensure a swift and safe response if your natural gas detector ever sounds an alarm.