Signs of a Natural Gas Leak

Leaks from a natural gas pipeline are rare. However, it is important to know how to recognize the signs of a leak if one were to occur in your area.

• Vegetation over or near the pipeline, which appears to be dead or dying for no apparent reason.
• Water bubbling at a creek, pond, river or any wet area over or near the pipeline.
• Dirt flying into the air over or near the pipeline. Fire or explosion near or involving the pipeline.
• Exposed pipeline, possibly caused by a natural disaster such as a flood or earthquake.
• A damaged connection to a gas appliance.
• A hissing, whistling or roaring sound near a gas appliance or pipeline. Special markers show the location of most major pipelines.

• Hissing
• Whistling
• Roaring

• A "rotten egg" odor. Natural gas is usually colorless and odorless. It may have a petroleum smell at times unless odorized. In that case, it will have a slight "rotten egg" smell.

Suspect a Gas Leak?

• Leave the home or business of the gas leak, as well as areas where the odor of gas is noticeable, immediately. 
• Do not use the phone or a cell phone while in the building. If you notice the leak while talking on the phone, do not hang up.
• Do not turn any lights, appliances or any electrical sources on or off.
• Do not light matches.
• Do not open or close windows.
• Do not start a vehicle if it’s parked in a garage that’s attached to the home/business of the suspected leak nor utilize an automatic garage door opener upon exiting.
  • The activities listed above could trigger an ignition if gas has significantly accumulated.
• Call Vectren at 1-800-227-1376 from somewhere other than the location of the gas leak.

In the event a gas line has been struck or ruptured outside of a home or business, adhere to the following:

• Leave the area of the gas leak, as well as areas where the odor of gas is noticeable, immediately.  
• Do not attempt to re-start or move powered equipment. 
• Call Vectren at 1-800-227-1376 from somewhere other than the location of the gas leak. The party responsible for the damage to the gas line should also call 911 and report the incident to police and/or fire officials.
• Alert neighboring property owners of the potential leak.
• Remain in a safe area until emergency personnel arrive and do not enter the home/business or neighboring premises.