Gas Leak Safety When Living Alone

A gas leak in your home can be deadly within minutes. When you live alone, knowing how to detect and respond to a gas leak -- and having an automated safety net -- can save your life.

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Natural gas leaks cause an estimated 17 fatalities and 68 injuries per year in the United States, with people living alone at higher risk because no one else can detect the smell or notice symptoms.

The Challenge

Gas leaks can cause drowsiness, confusion, and unconsciousness before you realize what is happening

If you pass out from gas exposure while alone, no one is there to drag you to safety or call 911

Slow leaks can go undetected for hours or days, causing chronic exposure symptoms you might dismiss as illness

How I'm Alive Helps

Install natural gas detectors on every level of your home so alarms wake you even during sleep

Set regular I'm Alive check-ins so your emergency contacts are alerted if gas exposure incapacitates you

Learn the smell and symptoms of gas leaks so you can act before exposure becomes dangerous

Detecting a Gas Leak in Your Home

Natural gas is odorless in its natural state, but utility companies add mercaptan, a chemical that smells like rotten eggs or sulfur, to make leaks detectable. If you smell this odor even faintly, take it seriously. Other signs include a hissing or whistling sound near gas lines or appliances, dead or dying houseplants, a white cloud or dust cloud near a gas line, and bubbles in standing water near your home. Physical symptoms of gas exposure include headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, difficulty breathing, and eye and throat irritation. When you live alone, these symptoms are particularly dangerous because they can mimic the flu or allergies, causing you to lie down and rest rather than evacuate. Install a natural gas detector with a loud alarm on every level of your home, especially near bedrooms. Test detectors monthly and replace batteries annually. A detector can wake you from sleep and alert you before symptoms become incapacitating.

Responding to a Gas Leak When Alone

If you suspect a gas leak, do not turn on or off any electrical switches, do not use your phone inside the house, do not light matches or lighters, and do not start your car in an attached garage. Any spark can ignite accumulated gas. Open windows and doors only if you can do so quickly on your way out. Leave the house immediately and move at least 300 feet away from the building. Once you are safely outside, call 911 and your gas utility company's emergency line. Do not re-enter the building until a professional has inspected it and declared it safe. If you feel dizzy or unwell, tell the 911 dispatcher that you may have been exposed to gas. While you wait for help, check in with I'm Alive so your contacts know you are safe. If you had been incapacitated by the leak and missed a check-in, your emergency contacts would already be alerted and taking action to reach you or send help.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a gas leak smell like?

Natural gas has an added odorant called mercaptan that smells like rotten eggs or sulfur. If you smell this odor in your home, even faintly, leave immediately and call 911 from outside. Some people have a reduced sense of smell due to age, illness, or smoking, which is why gas detectors are essential for solo residents.

Can a gas leak kill you in your sleep?

Yes. Gas exposure causes drowsiness and unconsciousness, and if levels are high enough, it can be fatal before you wake up. This is why gas detectors with loud alarms are critical, especially for people who live alone. Place a detector near your bedroom and test it monthly.

What should I do if I feel dizzy and suspect a gas leak?

Leave your home immediately. Do not stop to gather belongings, turn off appliances, or use any electrical switches. Get to fresh air at least 300 feet from the building. Call 911 from outside. If you feel too weak to walk, crawl to the nearest exit as gas rises and air is cleaner near the floor.

How does I'm Alive help with gas leak emergencies?

Gas leaks can incapacitate you before you can call for help. With I'm Alive check-ins, if gas exposure causes you to lose consciousness, your missed check-in automatically alerts your emergency contacts. They can call 911 and direct responders to your address, potentially saving your life.

How do I find and shut off my gas supply in an emergency?

Locate your gas meter, which is typically outside your home near the foundation. The shut-off valve is on the pipe leading into the meter and requires a wrench to turn a quarter-turn so the valve is perpendicular to the pipe. Keep an adjustable wrench near the meter or taped to the pipe so you can find it quickly. Practice locating and identifying the valve before an emergency occurs. Once you shut off gas, do not turn it back on yourself -- only a qualified gas engineer should restore service after an inspection confirms the leak has been repaired.