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What Should I Do If I Smell Gas After Storm Damage?

Last updated October 25, 2026

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The short answer

Immediate Evacuation Steps

The first and most critical action is to evacuate everyone from the building immediately. Do not waste time searching for the source or opening windows. Instruct family members to leave without grabbing belongings. Go directly to a safe location far from the house, such as a neighbor's home or across the street, to call for help.

Once outside, use a cell phone from a safe distance to call 911 and your gas utility's emergency number. Do not make the call from inside your home or even from your porch. Avoid using any device that could create a spark, including your home's landline phone. Provide your address and clearly state you suspect a natural gas leak.

What Not to Do

Never attempt to locate the leak yourself. Do not turn any lights on or off, as the switch can create a spark. Avoid using any electrical device, including garage door openers, doorbells, or even a flashlight that was turned on inside. The risk of ignition is very high, so any electrical activity is dangerous.

Do not light matches, candles, or cigarettes. Refrain from starting any vehicle in an attached garage. Do not operate any appliance or try to shut off your gas meter if you have not been specifically trained. Your only tasks are to get out and call for help from a safe location away from the property.

  • Do not turn electrical switches on or off.
  • Do not use any phones or devices inside the home.
  • Do not light any flames or smoke.
  • Do not try to shut off the gas yourself.
  • Do not re-enter the home until professionals say it is safe.
  • Do not start cars or machinery near the building.

After the Emergency Response

Firefighters or gas company personnel will secure the area and stop the leak. Only they can declare your home safe to re-enter. Do not go back inside until you receive explicit permission from the authorities on scene. They will ventilate the structure and check for residual gas before allowing anyone to return.

Once the immediate gas threat is resolved, you may need to address the storm damage that caused the leak. This could involve a ruptured gas line from a fallen tree or structural shift. A qualified plumber or gas fitter must inspect and repair the damaged line before service can be restored. Your utility company can provide a list of qualified professionals.

Connecting Gas Leaks to Storm Damage

Storm damage, like high winds or flooding, can damage gas lines. Falling trees or debris can rupture outdoor lines. Shifting foundations or structural damage from water can strain or break indoor pipes. Even if the smell is faint, assume it is a serious leak. Saturated soil from heavy rains can destabilize foundations, putting pressure on buried or attached gas lines.

Know where your main gas shutoff valve is located, typically near the meter. However, only turn it off if you are trained and can do so safely from outside. In most leak scenarios, evacuation is the correct first step. After any major storm, it's wise to visually check the exterior of your home for obvious damage to gas meter boxes or exposed lines.

Next Steps for Your Home

After the gas leak is fixed, you still have storm-related water damage to manage. Linguing moisture can lead to mold and structural problems. You will need a thorough inspection to document all damage, which is crucial for an insurance claim. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Contact your insurance company to start the claims process.

Water damage pros can assess the full extent of the problem. They check for hidden moisture in walls and under floors. Their documentation helps support your insurance claim. The cleanup process involves drying, disinfecting, and repairing the structure to prevent secondary issues like mold growth, which requires separate assessment by a mold professional.

Talk to someone now

Water keeps spreading into floors and walls, so it is worth acting early. Calls are answered 24/7.

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Frequently asked questions

What does natural gas smell like?

Natural gas is odorless, but a chemical called mercaptan is added to give it a distinctive rotten egg or sulfur smell. This strong odor is a deliberate safety feature to help you detect even small leaks quickly. If you notice this smell, treat it as an emergency.

Can storm flooding cause a gas leak?

Yes, flooding can displace appliances like water heaters, breaking their gas connections. Rising water or debris can also damage outdoor gas lines and meter sets. If you smell gas after flooding, evacuate immediately. Do not re-enter until professionals have inspected and cleared the property.

Who pays for the repairs after a gas leak?

Repair costs depend on the leak's location. Repairs to the gas meter or external service line are often the utility's responsibility. Repairs to indoor pipes or appliances are typically the homeowner's responsibility. Your homeowners insurance may cover damage from a leak if it resulted from a covered peril like a storm.

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