The City of New York has begun a public awareness campaign to urge residents to call 911 -and not just their utility - if they smell gas. Previously, residents who smelled gas were often told to call their gas utility or dial 311, the city's information hotline.  Now, any calls to 311 reporting gas will be transferred to the 911 emergency line, automatically triggering a fire department response. 


    If you suspect a natural gas leak:

    Leave the area immediately and go to a safe location

    Do not try to locate the source of the leak  



    Do not use an open flame, matches or lighters 

    Do not start vehicles parked in the area

    Do not try to shut off any natural gas valves



    Signs of Natural Gas Leak

    "Rotten egg" smell

    Dead or discolored vegetation in an otherwise green area

    Dirt or dust blowing from a hole in the ground

    Bubbling in wet or flooded areas

    Blowing or hissing sound

    Flames, if a leak has ignited
