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

Last updated October 31, 2026

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The short answer

Leave the Building Right Away

A gas smell after a storm can mean a damaged line or a leak from shifting ground. Your first move is to get everyone out of the house and stay out. Do not stop to open windows or turn off appliances, since any spark could ignite the gas.

Move to a safe spot upwind from the house, at a distance where you cannot smell the gas. Keep pets and family together. Once you are out, call the gas company from a cell phone or a neighbor's home. The utility will send a professional to check the leak and shut off the gas if needed.

Avoid Sparks and Flames

Gas is highly flammable, so even a tiny spark can cause a fire. Do not flip any light switches, unplug cords, or use doorbells. Avoid using your phone inside the house, and do not start a car or use a generator near the building.

Also skip any actions that create static, like rubbing clothing or sliding across a floor. If you have a gas appliance, do not try to turn it off. Leave the house as is and let the utility handle the shutoff. Your safety matters more than protecting property.

  • No light switches, on or off
  • No matches, lighters, or candles
  • No phones or radios inside
  • No car engines or generators nearby
  • No opening windows or doors to ventilate
  • No re-entering until cleared

Call the Utility from Outside

Once you are a safe distance away, call the gas company's emergency number. That number is usually on a past bill or the utility's website, so keep it written down in a safe place. If you live in Fresno, storing that number near your shutoff valve can help in an emergency.

Tell the gas company where you smell gas and that it happened after a storm. They will send someone to find the leak and shut off the gas. Do not go back inside until the utility says it is safe. The pros can also check for water damage if the storm caused flooding.

Know Your Shutoff Valve Location

Every home has a gas shutoff valve, usually near the meter. In a storm, the valve can be buried under debris, so knowing its exact spot saves time. Find it now, before an emergency, and make sure everyone in the house knows where it is.

Only turn the valve if you are trained and it is safe to do so. If you are unsure, leave it for the utility. Turning it back on requires a professional, so do not touch it after shutting off. If flooding is present, avoid standing water near the meter.

Watch for Water Damage Too

Storms that cause gas leaks often bring heavy rain or flooding. Water can enter your home through damaged roofs or windows, leading to soaked carpets, drywall, and flooring. Once the gas situation is handled, check for standing water and damp spots.

If you find water damage, local water damage pros can inspect and dry the affected areas. They use equipment to remove moisture and prevent mold. Keep receipts and photos for your insurance, but remember that policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Act quickly to limit damage.

  • Check for wet carpets and flooring
  • Look for stains on ceilings or walls
  • Move furniture off wet carpet
  • Turn off electricity if water is near outlets
  • Document damage with photos
  • Call a water damage pro after gas is safe

Water damage does not wait

Phones are answered 24/7 for Fresno and nearby communities.

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Frequently asked questions

How long should I stay out of the house after a gas leak?

Stay out until the gas company says it is safe to re-enter. That could take a few hours or longer, depending on the leak size and repairs needed. Do not go back in just because the smell fades, since gas can linger or the source may still be active.

Can I turn off the gas myself after a storm?

Only if you know how and it is safe to reach the valve. Use a wrench to turn it a quarter turn so it is perpendicular to the pipe. If you smell gas near the valve or see damage, do not touch it. Call the utility instead.

Will my insurance cover gas leak damage?

Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Some policies cover gas line repairs, while others do not. Check your policy and call your agent to ask about storm-related leaks. Document everything and keep receipts for any emergency work.

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