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There's a fire, or I smell gas

FirstGet out, stay out, and call 911 from outside.

Call 911

Get out first. Call from outside.

  1. Fire: get out. Crawl low under smoke. Feel a door before you open it; if it's hot, use another way out. Source: Ready.gov1
  2. Once you're out, stay out. Never go back inside for anything or anyone. Source: Red Cross2 Call 911 and tell them if someone is still inside, and where. Source: Ready.gov1
  3. Can't get out? Close the door, cover vents and cracks with cloth, call 911, and signal at the window with a light-colored cloth or flashlight. Source: Ready.gov1
  4. Gas smell (like rotten eggs): leave right away. Don't flip light switches, use phones or appliances, or start a car, because they can spark. Source: Kansas Corp. Commission3
  5. Once you're safely away, call 911 and your gas company. Don't go back in until the gas company or emergency crews say it's safe. Source: PA Utility Commission4
Clothes on fire? Stop, drop and roll. Then cool the burn with cool water for 3 to 5 minutes, cover it with a clean, dry cloth, and get medical help. Source: Ready.gov1

Good to know

  • Smoke alarms on every level, and two ways out of every room, give you more time. Source: Ready.gov1
  • Don't try to find the leak or shut off gas valves yourself. Source: Kansas Corp. Commission3

When things calm down: Testing your smoke alarms

Sources

  1. Ready.gov Home fires
  2. American Red Cross Home fire safety
  3. Kansas Corporation Commission Natural gas safety
  4. Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission Gas emergencies

Last checked October 2, 2026 against the sources listed.

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