Why a written plan helps
A gas smell often shows up at an awkward moment: at night, while cooking, with a guest in the house or a child home alone. People hesitate, go looking for the source, or reach for a light switch out of habit. A short written plan, practiced once, replaces that hesitation with a few clear jobs.
Keep the plan simple enough that a teenager, a grandparent or a babysitter can follow it. Fill in the blanks below, talk it through at the dinner table, and walk outside together to the meeting spot and the meter.
Fill in your household's plan
| Item | Your answer |
|---|---|
| Our meeting spot outside (away from the house) | ________________________ |
| Who helps young children out | ________________________ |
| Who helps anyone with limited mobility | ________________________ |
| Who brings the pets, if it can be done on the way out | ________________________ |
| Who calls 911 or SoCalGas once outside | ________________________ |
| Where our gas meter is | ________________________ |
| Where the wrench for the meter valve is kept | ________________________ |
| A neighbor we can wait with | ________________________ |
What everyone does
- Say it out loud.Whoever smells gas says so clearly: "I smell gas, everyone outside."
- Leave as you are.Do not touch light switches, appliances, the thermostat or the garage door opener. Do not light anything.
- Go to the meeting spot.Meet at the agreed spot and count heads. Do not go back in for anyone or anything.
- Call from outside.The assigned caller uses a cell phone at the meeting spot to call 911 or SoCalGas.
- Meter only if safe.An adult closes the meter valve only if gas is clearly escaping and it can be reached safely from outside.
- Wait for the all-clear.Stay out until responders say it is safe to return.
Do these once, this week
Talk these through as a family
- What would you do if you smelled gas and were home alone?
- What if the smell is faint and you are not sure?
- Why do we not flip the lights on to look?
- What do we do if the carbon monoxide alarm goes off?
Common questions
Should children call 911 themselves?
Teach them to get outside first. Once out and away, any person who can call should.
What if we smell gas only outside near the meter?
Keep everyone away from the meter area and call SoCalGas from a distance.
Do we need to practice this?
A single walk-through is enough to make the steps familiar. Repeat it when someone new joins the household.
General information for Fullerton, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.