Home safety

What should I do if I smell gas in my home?

A rotten-egg or sulphur-like odour near gas equipment may indicate a fuel-gas leak and requires immediate evacuation.

Urgency: emergency

What this means

Do not operate switches, phones, flames, vehicles, or appliances inside; leave and call from outside.

Safe checks

  • Warn others without using electrical devices
  • leave doors as found
  • move away from the building
  • call the gas emergency line or 911.

Stop and get help if

  • Do not investigate, shut internal valves, relight equipment, or return until the utility or fire service declares it safe.

Which professional to call

Contact the matched licensed or qualified trade if safe checks do not resolve the issue.

Find the relevant trade

Source and method

This answer combines HomeSOS's structured triage with safety boundaries supported by a public source. It does not replace inspection.

Health Canada: Home safety and indoor air guidanceReviewed August 12, 2026