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Emergency Information

1-800-544-5606

Have an emergency?

If you smell gas, think you have a gas leak, have carbon monoxide symptoms or have some other emergency situation, go outside and call 911 and then call us at 1-800-544-5606 (24/7).


Emergency Contact
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Welcome
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      • Construction and Renovation
        • Service Application
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      • Set a Service Appointment
    • Alert Center
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      • Fauquier County Natural Gas Reliability Project
      • Vegetation Management
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    • Convert to Natural Gas
      • Natural Gas Availability Form
      • Calculate Your Savings
      • Find a Contractor
    • Green Path
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      • RNG for Producers
        • Renewable Natural Gas Application
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    • Natural Gas Safety
      • How to Recognize a Gas Leak
      • Contact 811 Before You Dig
      • Gas Line Responsibilities
      • Encroachment Awareness
      • Automatic Shut-Off Devices
      • Locating Gas Lines
      • Sewer Line Safety
      • Pipeline Integrity Management Plan
      • Advanced Leak Detection
    • Propane Safety
    • Home Safety
      • Appliance Safety
        • Safe Appliance Installation
        • Care for Your Appliances
      • Carbon Monoxide
      • Proper Venting
      • Impostors and Scams
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      • Severe Storm Safety
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      • Find a Payment Location
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      • CHOICE®
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How to Recognize a Gas Leak

What to do if you smell natural gas

NEVER QUESTION. CALL 1-800-544-5606.
IF YOU EVEN THINK YOU SMELL NATURAL GAS INSIDE YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS, TAKE ACTION. COLUMBIA GAS WILL SEND SOMEONE TO CHECK ON THE SOURCE OF THE ODOR FREE OF CHARGE, WHETHER THERE IS A LEAK OR NOT.


Report a Gas Leak Now!

Think you smell natural gas?

If you smell a sulfur or rotten-egg-like odor, you could have a gas leak. Natural gas is naturally colorless and odorless. We add an odorant called mercaptan to natural gas, which gives it a distinctive smell. In some cases, you can also identify natural gas by sight or sound. If you see blowing dirt, bubbling water or dead vegetation, or hear a hissing or roaring sound, that could be caused by natural gas.

USE YOUR SENSES TO DETECT A NATURAL GAS LEAK

Listen

Listen

For a hissing, blowing, whistling or roaring sound
Smell

Smell

A distinct odor like rotten eggs or sulfur
Look

Look

For blowing dirt, bubbling water or dead vegetation

FOLLOW THESE STEPS IF YOU EVEN THINK YOU DETECT A NATURAL GAS LEAK OR IF YOU EXPOSE, HIT OR TOUCH A NATURAL GAS PIPELINE OR OTHER NATURAL GAS EQUIPMENT.

Stop what you’re doing

Don't smoke or light a match. Don't open the windows. Don’t use anything that could cause a spark, like a phone, light switch, appliance or flashlight. Don’t start your car or use your garage door to leave.

Leave the area immediately

If you're inside, get out immediately. If you're outside, leave the area quickly.

Call 911 and us

From a safe location, away from the building, call 911 and our emergency number at 1-800-544-5606 (24/7) and wait for crews to arrive.

Natural Gas Facts

Natural gas is considered one of the safest ways to power homes and businesses. It will not burn on its own, but when mixed with the correct amount of air and exposed to an ignition source, it can ignite. Learn more about natural gas


Contact us to request a free Odor of Gas scratch-and-smell flyer

NOTE: This form is not to be used to report a gas leak

More safety tips
Family in kitchen together

Appliance Safety

Learn how to safely care for your natural gas appliances over time and how to have natural gas appliances safely installed in your home or business.

Get the Tips

Flooded room with gas lines in the water

Sewer Line Safety

Clearing a clogged sewer line may seem to be a simple fix, but it’s important to contact 811 and a professional plumber to ensure the clog is cleared properly and safely.

Get the Tips

Always call 811 before you dig - it's the law!

Call 811 Before You Dig

Big or small – begin your next home improvement project with a call to 811.

Find Out More

Safety
  • Natural Gas Safety
    • How to Recognize a Gas Leak
    • Contact 811 Before You Dig
    • Gas Line Responsibilities
    • Encroachment Awareness
    • Automatic Shut-Off Devices
    • Locating Gas Lines
    • Sewer Line Safety
    • Pipeline Integrity Management Plan
    • Advanced Leak Detection
  • Propane Safety
  • Home Safety
    • Appliance Safety
      • Safe Appliance Installation
      • Care for Your Appliances
    • Carbon Monoxide
    • Proper Venting
    • Impostors and Scams
    • Find a Contractor
    • Safety Products
    • Digger’s Dog House
  • Weather Safety
    • Severe Storm Safety
    • Flooding Safety
    • Winter Weather Safety
  • Know Your Home
    • Exterior
    • Basement
    • Kitchen
    • Living Room
    • Laundry
    • Bathroom
    • Bedroom
    • Garage
    • Office
  • Excavators

Know Your Home Brochure Cover

Safety is Knowing

Learn how to keep your home or business safe.

Download in English
Descargar en Español


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Have an emergency?

If you smell gas, think you have a gas leak, have carbon monoxide symptoms or have some other emergency situation, go outside and call 911 and then call us at 1-800-544-5606 (24/7).