Natural Gas Leaks

Natural gas leaks are dangerous. It's important that you know how to recognize and report a gas emergency.

How to Detect a Gas Leak

The 1-2-3's of a Gas Leak

1. Spot the signs of a gas leak - by smell, sight, sound or other.
2. Leave the area immediately. Go to an outside location where you can no longer smell natural gas.
3. Call 911 before calling our dedicated natural gas leak hotline at 800.947.5000.

We have emergency services available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

What Not to Do During a Leak

• Do not attempt to locate the leak.
• Do not start up or shut down any machinery, vehicles or equipment in or near the area.
• Do not smoke, light matches or use a lighter. Avoid the use of all open flames.
• Do not use any electrical devices near the affected leak area, including appliances, doorbells, garage door openers, light switches, landlines and mobile phones.
• Do not re-enter the building until DTE Gas says it is safe to do so.

Do Not Rely on Sense of Smell Alone

DTE encourages you to use smell, sight, sound and other indicators to determine the presence of natural gas.

Do not rely on sense of smell alone to detect a gas leak. Some people may not be able to smell the odor because they have a diminished sense of smell, nasal fatigue (normal, temporary inability to distinguish an odor after prolonged exposure to it), or because the odor is being hidden by other odors such as candles or air fresheners present in the area.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified the loss of smell as a potential symptom of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. Using tobacco, alcohol, medications or narcotics also can lessen your ability to smell odorized gas.