Natural Gas Leak Recognition and Response -- Top Things You Need to Know

A natural gas leak is usually recognized by smell, sight, or sound. 

• Smell - Natural gas is colorless and odorless. Before it reaches you, we add a distinctive, pungent odor (rotten eggs smell) so you will recognize it quickly. 
• Sight - You may see a white cloud, mist, fog, bubbles in standing water, or vegetation that appears to be dead or dying for no apparent reason. 
• Sound - You may hear an unusual noise like roaring, hissing or whistling. 

What should you do if you suspect a leak? 

• Protect life first. MOVE to a safe environment. 
• Call 911 or City of Richmond DPU at 804-646-4646. 
• DO NOT strike a match, use cell phones, switch on or off appliances, lights or even a flashlight in the area where you smell gas. These items can produce sparks that might ignite and cause an explosion.
  

For emergency personnel

• Emergency response officials should secure the area and take steps to eliminate ignition sources. 
• Evacuate the general public from the vicinity of the leak 
• Contact City of Richmond DPU at 804-646-4646 

For excavators 

• Immediately stop work and evacuate the site to a safe distance
• Immediately eliminate all sources of ignition (e.g., truck and car motors, backhoes, etc.)
• Call City of Richmond DPU at 804-646-4646
• Alert everyone on the premises
• Keep the public and traffic away 
• DO NOT try to fix the pipe or slow the rate of leaking gas
• DO NOT try to extinguish a gas burning fire unless there is a threat to life
• If you SUSPECT or become aware of a dent, scratch, or coating damage to the pipeline, notify Richmond DPU at 804-646-4646 immediately.