The odor of natural gas in your Philadelphia home may be indicative of a serious problem that should be rectified right away. The odor could mean you have a gas leak, and leaking gas could cause an explosion or fire. You may need to call your home insurance if your home is damaged by a fire caused by a gas leak. Call as soon as possible after the fire is extinguished and you have noted any damage.

There are steps you may take when you smell a faint odor of natural gas.

•    You may want to check all gas appliances and make sure they are turned off, and relight any pilot lights that have gone out.

•    Open all windows to let the gas escape, and should you be unable to locate the source of the odor, contact your gas utility company.

A strong odor of natural gas is a more urgent situation.

•    Don’t create any sparks by switching on lights, or turning on computers; and extinguish all flames, like candles and cigarettes.

•    It may be best to leave your home immediately, taking all family members and pets, and contact your gas utility company from outside your home.