SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/dad-gas-leak-no-switches

If you smell gas in your house, what should you NOT do?

Flip light switches or other electrical switches.

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  1. Leave the area right away
  2. Flip light switches or other electrical switches ✔
  3. Call 911 from a neighbor's house

Why: PHMSA says to leave the area and not to operate light switches, garage door openers or other electrical switches, since a spark can ignite gas. Call 911 from a safe spot well away from the leak.

Huh, didn't know that: PHMSA also says not to use a telephone or cell phone near the leak, since it can ignite gas.

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References

Answer: Flip light switches or other electrical switches. PHMSA says to leave the area and not to operate light switches, garage door openers or other electrical switches, since a spark can ignite gas. Call 911 from a safe spot well away from the leak.

  1. PHMSA: Recognizing and Responding to Pipeline Emergencies primis.phmsa.dot.gov/stakeholder-comms/emergencyresponse
    Turn on or off any light switches, garage door openers or other electrical switches
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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