Gas Leak

On its own, natural gas is colourless and odorless. For safety reasons, all utilities add Mercaptan to natural gas. This chemical, also known as Odorant, gives natural gas its very distinctive skunky smell. This is an early warning system to alert you to the possibility of a gas leak. 

If you smell or hear a gas leak indoors:

• Do not smoke, light matches, or operate anything that may cause a spark – including your house lights or flashlights!
• Leave the building immediately, and DO NOT close the door behind you!
• If able, turn off your gas meter to prevent more gas entering the building.
• Call your natural gas distributor to report the smell

If outdoors and you smell or hear a gas leak:

• Do not operate anything that may cause a spark or flame near the suspected gas leak.
• Call your natural gas distributor to report the smell

Remember: Utilities do not charge for reporting a leak.