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1. What does natural gas smell like?

In its pure form, natural gas is odorless. We add a harmless odorizing agent that produces a distinctive, strong smell that reminds some of sulfur or rotten eggs. This makes it possible for you to detect even a small leak.

2. What should I do if I smell gas?

Use caution! A natural gas leak can cause an explosion if ignited by a spark. If you smell gas in your home, leave your house immediately and call our emergency service number (615-388-0997, City of Portland Natural Gas On-Call Phone Number), or 615-451-3838 or 911 from another location such as a neighbor's house.

For your own safety, remember these rules in the event you smell gas:

• Do not use your electric garage door opener to leave your house. Any motorized appliance could spark, igniting the natural gas
• Do not use your phone to call us unless you are outside and away from your house. Using any type of telephone could ignite the leaking gas
• Do not turn any light switches or other electrical devices on or off. Anything electrical, even something as small as a thermostat, may cause a spark and ignite leaking gas
• Do not try to re-light the pilot light. Leave gas furnaces, water heaters and other gas appliances alone until you are certain that it is safe
• Do not smoke cigarettes or light candles. Using a lighter or a match could ignite the leaking gas

Once you are safely away from the building, call the City of Portland Gas Department or emergency services immediately:

• Between the hours of 8 am to 4:30 pm, call 615-325-6776
• After 4:30 pm or on weekends please contact one of the following:
  • On-Call Gas Phone: 615-388-0997
  • Phone: 615-451-3838
  • 911

3. What if I dig and disturb a natural gas line?

If you hit or contact a gas line in any way, inform the City of Portland immediately at 615-325-6776 or 615-388-0997 (gas on-call phone). A gouge, scrape, scratch, dent or crease to a pipe or its coating may cause a future safety problem. It is imperative that City of Portland gas crew inspects and repairs any damage to our pipeline, no matter how minor it may seem.

4. What safety procedures should you take?

When it comes to the safety of you or anyone else near a gas main leak, it is important to know the procedures you should take when someone has damaged a gas line or when you suspect a gas leak. If you or anyone else accidentally damages or suspects a gas leak on a City of Portland Natural Gas System, follow the procedures below:

• Leave the area immediately and warn others to stay away
• If you suspect your excavation equipment has struck a gas line, do not attempt to move the equipment. Shut the equipment off and leave the area
• Once away from the gas leak, call City of Portland at 615-325-6776, or after 4:30 pm call 615-388-0997 (gas on-call phone), or 911