Shut Off the Main Gas Supply Valve On the Tank. If you are able to, turn the main gas supply valve clockwise to prevent more propane gas from leaking into your home. After, immediately move to a safe location, call 911 and your propane supplier. Remember: Do not use your cell phone until you're in a safe location.
Call your propane supplier. They can pump out the leaking tank, give you credit for the gas it contains, and provide a replacement tank. Portable propane tanks: Move it to open air, well away from all structures and allow it to leak out or bleed off pressure by opening the valve.
In the event of a gas leak or suspected leak
If leak is indoors, open all windows and doors, to disperse the gas. In the case of cylinders, disconnect the cylinder and move it outdoors to an open area. If the leak cannot be stopped or a significant leak has occurred, evacuate the premises.
Switch off the gas appliance, turn the regulator off and remove it and use the safety cap on the cylinder. Open all the doors, windows and ventilators of your home to ensure ventilation and drive out the leaked gas but make sure NOT TO turn on any electrical fans, for the reasons given in (ii).
Call 911. Turn off ignition sources. If possible, ventilate the affected area (only if it can be done safely and only if the leak is vented to the outside) prior to leaving the area. Leave fume hoods running.
If you hear the sound of escaping gas, follow these steps: Telephone your local gas company immediately from a neighbor's phone. Don't go back inside your home or building until your local gas company says it is safe. Keep others away from the area.
Gas leaks have the potential to start large-scale fires. When a leak occurs, the gas will quickly diffuse in the air and fly underground (because gas is heavier than air). At this point, the gas interacts with oxygen in the air to form a highly combustible combination.
If you smell natural gas odors:
Turn off all stoves, open flames, and other potential ignition sources. Call 911. Move people out of the areas in which a gas odor can be detected and open doors and windows on your way out.
Call 911 and then your propane supply company as soon as you and your family are a safe distance away from the home. Your propane supplier and local fire department are able to respond to propane leaks 24/7.
REPORT THE LEAK.
From a neighbor's home or other nearby building away from the gas leak, call your propane retailer right away. If you can't reach your propane retailer, call 911 or your local fire department.
Inhalation: Breathing in high levels of propane can lead to asphyxiation – a condition of severe lack of oxygen that can result in unconsciousness or death. Long-term health effects: Prolonged exposure to low levels of propane can cause chronic respiratory problems and compromised lung function.
Take Action If a Propane Leak Occurs. If you smell a bad odor or hissing sound coming from your propane tank, chances are it's a leak. This will be your cue to spring into action. Check for the leak and reduce the risk of a big explosion or fire.
Low fuel level: As propane levels drop in the tank, the pressure within decreases, leading to a hissing sound. This is a clear sign that you need to replace or refill your tank soon.
Isolate any leaking cylinders of inert gases in a well-ventilated area. Move leaking cylinders only if it can be done safely. Once the leaking cylinder is isolated, contact your supplier for help in resolving the problem. Clearly identify the problem and return all problem cylinders to the supplier for proper repair.
Report a Natural Gas Leak
If you suspect a natural gas leak, evacuate the area immediately, and from a safe location, call SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200. Do not smoke or light a flame; or turn electrical appliances or and lights on or off. Do not use any device that could cause a spark.
Evacuate the area immediately. This includes evacuating buildings that may be the source or be bringing the gas in through air handling equipment. Evacuate to an assembly point that isn't in the area of the leak. Visit the Functional Needs Emergency Information page if you need evacuation assistance.
Once a gas leak has been suspected everyone should evacuate the building immediately and contact a professional.
DO NOT enter the premises if you notice a strong gas odor or if there is other evidence of a natural gas leak. DO NOT smoke, or make a spark or flame. DO NOT turn on any electrical switches, appliances or lights as an electrical charge could create a spark.
Everyone in the home should leave the building immediately and regroup at a pre-chosen safe place. This limits your exposure to the gas and puts distance between you and the home in case the gas leak ignites. Leave the doors and windows open. On your way out of the home, open all doors and windows.
Gas inside a building
Leave the building or area immediately. As you exit, leave open any windows and doors. Leave lights and appliances alone as they may be a source of ignition. Call 911 from a safe location using a neighbour's landline or cell phone.