---
title: Smell Gas? What to Do Right Now | American River Gas
url: https://americanrivergas.com/smell-gas/
business: American River Gas Co., Inc.
phone: (530) 888-7438
address: 10290 Ophir Rd, Newcastle, CA 95658
hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM (closed noon-1:00 PM)
updated: 2026-10-28
---

Gas leak safety

# Smell gas? Leave first, then call.

[Call 911 (from outside)](tel:911)[Call American River Gas (530) 888-7438](tel:+15308887438)

If you smell propane, get everyone out of the building now, and do not light anything or touch light switches, appliances or phones on the way out. If it is safe and the smell is not coming from the tank itself, turn the tank valve to the right to close it. Then, from outside and away from the building, call 911 and American River Gas at (530) 888-7438.

## Do this now

- ### Leave the area now Get everyone out of the building or area where you suspect gas is leaking. Leave first; do not stop to look for the leak.
- ### No flames or sparks on the way out As you leave, do not light anything or smoke, and do not touch light switches, appliances, thermostats, telephones or cell phones in the area. Flames or sparks can trigger an explosion or fire.
- ### Shut off the gas, only if it is safe If it is safe to do so and the smell is not coming from the tank itself, turn off the main gas supply valve on your propane tank by turning it to the right (clockwise). If you think the leak is at the tank, leave the valve alone and get away.
- ### Report the leak from outside From a safe distance away from the building, call 911, then call American River Gas at (530) 888-7438. After hours, our answering service reaches a member of our staff.
- ### Do not go back in Stay out of the building or area until American River Gas, an emergency responder or a qualified service technician says it is safe.
- ### Never turn the gas back on yourself Even if the smell is gone, do not turn the supply valve back on or relight pilots. A qualified technician must check the entire system for leaks first. Never test for a leak with a flame.

[Call 911 (from outside)](tel:911)[Call American River Gas (530) 888-7438](tel:+15308887438)

## After the leak

Do not turn the supply valve back on, even if the smell is gone, until an American River Gas service technician or emergency personnel has tested for escaped propane. Never test for propane with an open flame; only proper leak detection devices should be used. Our technician checks for leaks and relights the pilots once the leak has been repaired.

## If a gas alarm goes off

Treat a propane alarm exactly like a gas smell: no flames or switches, get out, and call from outside.

Questions

## Straight answers

### What should I do if I smell propane?

Get everyone out first, without lighting anything or using switches, appliances or phones. If it is safe and the smell is not at the tank, close the tank valve. Then call 911 and American River Gas from outside.

### Should I call from inside the house?

No. Phones and cell phones can make a spark. Call from a safe distance outside the building.

### What if I cannot smell the odorant?

Some people have a reduced sense of smell, and the odorant can fade in rare situations. Consider a propane gas detector, and act on any alarm the same way you would act on a smell.

### Can I go back in once the smell is gone?

No. Stay out until a technician or emergency responder says it is safe. Never turn the gas back on yourself, and never test for a leak with a flame; a technician checks the system first.

[All questions →](https://americanrivergas.com/faq/)  ·  [Propane guides →](https://americanrivergas.com/guides/)

After a leak or running out: [why a leak check is required before relighting](https://americanrivergas.com/guides/ran-out-of-propane-leak-check/).

Sources: [Propane Education & Research Council: Safety guide for propane users](https://propane.com/safety/safety-guide-for-propane-users/) · [Propane Education & Research Council: propane safety in your home](https://propane.com/propane-safety-in-your-home/) · [NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code](https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/nfpa-58-standard-development/58)