If you smell gas or something burning in the house

Natural gas has a smell added to it, often described as rotten eggs, so a leak can be noticed. A blowing or hissing sound can mean a leak too. A spark from a phone, a switch or an engine can ignite gas in the air.

If you smell gas or hear hissing

• Open a window, if one is right there
• Turn any gas appliance that's on all the way off, if it's on your way out
• Get everyone out of the house quicklyDon't stop to look for where the smell is coming from.
• Call 911 or the gas company from a neighbor's house, or somewhere well away from the leakExplain what you smelled or heard.
• Warn others not to go in, if you can do so safely

What not to do near the smell

• Don't use a phone or a cell phone inside
• Don't turn any light switch on or off
• Don't use the garage door opener or any other electrical switch
• Don't start a car or any other engine
• Don't strike a match, light a candle or smokeOil and gas lanterns, candles and torches stay off until you're sure no gas is leaking.

Getting the gas back on

• Don't go back in until the gas company or the fire department says it's safe
• Leave turning the gas back on to the gas company or another qualified professional

After a storm or other disaster, never go into a house that smells of gas. If the house is damaged, have a qualified inspector confirm it's safe before anyone moves back in.

A burning smell or other electrical signs

• A burning or rubbery smell coming from an appliance
• Wall outlets that are discolored or warm
• Sparks from an outlet
• A tingle when you touch an appliance
• Lights that flicker or dim
• Fuses that blow or breakers that trip often
• Cords running across doorways or under rugsAn electrician can add outlets so the cords aren't needed.

Any of these is a reason to call a qualified electrician, or the landlord if you rent. Until then, plug only one heat-producing appliance, such as a toaster, coffee maker or microwave, into each outlet, since they draw a lot of electricity and can overheat the wiring.