Emergencies: Gas

What Should I do if I smell Natural Gas in my home?

Natural gas is odourless. As a safety feature, an odour is added to natural gas - it smells like rotten eggs. If you smell gas or hear the flow of escaping gas (a hissing sound), follow these steps immediately:

• Open the doors and windows to let fresh air into your house. If the smell is strong or is accompanied by a "hissing" noise, get everyone out of your home, leaving the windows and doors open to allow air to enter.
• Don't use your phone or cell phone. Call Utilities Kingston from a neighbour's home or pay phone.
• Do not use matches, lighters, electrical switches, appliances or your phone.
• Do not re-enter the building, until Utilities Kingston declares it safe to do so.

We investigate leaks as a free service, seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

Blocked sewer line?
Know the risks of cross bores before you attempt to clear it.

Natural gas lines can sometimes intersect with sewer lines beyond the outside wall of your home or building. In these cases, clearing a blocked sewer line with motorized or water jetting equipment could damage the natural gas line and lead to a gas leak, creating an immediate safety risk for you and others. When left undisturbed, cross bores do NOT pose a safety hazard to anyone.

Before clearing a blocked sewer line, Call Ontario One Call at 1-800-400-2255 to schedule a free sewer safety inspection.

How safe is natural gas?

Natural gas is one of the world's safest sources of energy. However, it is highly flammable and, like any burning fuels, it can produce carbon monoxide. For your safety and peace of mind, Utilities Kingston provides 24-hour emergency service every day of the year. For information on using gas safely in your home, please call us at 546-0000.

Why is it important to keep my meter clear?

It is important to keep the area around your gas meter free of snow and ice and to clear a path to the meter for easy access. Blocked regulator vents can dangerously over pressure the system, affect appliance operation and interrupt service. Please ensure that snow from shovelling, plowing or snowblowing doesn't get piled up around the meter area and to use a broom to remove snow from the meter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Also visit our Gas FAQ page to learn more about natural gas.