In severe weather situations, the highly trained professionals at Philadelphia Gas Works are ready.

Remember, when severe weather hits and you lose power, natural gas powered appliances like water heaters and ranges may still work.

In times of bad weather, please keep the following in mind:

• During severe weather, DO NOT turn the natural gas off to your home or business, even if evacuated. Most gas appliances have safety valves that shut off the flow of gas automatically if the pilot light goes out.
• If flooding occurs at a residence or business and gas appliances are under water, DO NOT try to operate them. Contact a qualified service professional to conduct a safety inspection.
• If you smell natural gas, immediately leave the house and call our 24-hour emergency response line: (215) 235-1212.
• DO NOT attempt to locate the source of any natural gas leaks yourself.
• Natural gas distribution pipelines are mostly underground, they can occasionally be damaged by uprooted trees, shifted foundations or washed out work trenches and fallen limbs and other debris can damage gas meters and exposed piping near homes and buildings.
• After severe weather, if a natural gas meter is damaged by fallen debris or is under water or you do not have gas service, immediately report it by calling our 24-hour emergency response line at (215) 235-1212.
• When returning from evacuation, check natural gas appliances first. Check around the house and appliances for the smell of natural gas before attempting to turn on or operate any type of switch or appliance.
• After the severe weather has ended, customers should call 811 to have the location of underground utility lines marked before removing downed trees.

Severe Weather
Frequently
Asked Questions
Click here »

Natural Gas smells bad on purpose

That “rotten egg” smell is the smell of natural gas. If you think you smell gas leave the area immediately, and then call PGW at 215-235-1212 from a safe location.

Also, if you smell gas:

• Do not use electrical devices, like light switches, telephones (including cell phones), garage door openers and other appliances, which may cause a spark and ignite the gas.
  
• Do not use an open flame, matches or lighters.
  
• Do not try to locate the source of the gas leak.
  
• Do not try to shut off any natural gas valves or gas appliances.
  
• Do not start vehicles.
  
• Do not re-enter the building or return to the area until a PGW employee or a qualified utility representative says it is safe to do so.
  
• Do not put out the flames if natural gas ignites.