The three-step procedure

If you smell propane (rotten eggs, skunk, decaying matter):

  1. LEAVE the building immediately. Get every person and pet outside, away from the area.
  2. SHUT OFF the tank service valve — but only if you can do so without re-entering the building.
  3. CALL your propane dealer's emergency line and 911/fire department from outside the building. Use a mobile phone or a neighbour's landline.

What NOT to do

  • Do not flip any electrical switch — light, fan, appliance
  • Do not use phones, garage-door openers, doorbells inside
  • Do not light matches, lighters, candles, or relight pilot lights
  • Do not try to find the leak yourself by sniffing around
  • Do not attempt to repair anything
  • Do not re-enter until a licensed technician or the fire department confirms it's safe

Why these specific rules

Propane needs only a small spark to ignite at concentrations between 2.1% and 9.5% in air. Electrical switches, phones, garage doors and even doorbells produce internal arcing capable of ignition. Static electricity from synthetic fabrics can spark. The 'don't' list isn't paranoid — every item on it has caused fires.

After the call — what happens

Your dealer's technician (or the fire department) will arrive, ventilate the space, locate and repair the leak, perform a pressure test, and relight any pilot lights. NFPA 58 requires this professional process — you cannot legally restart the system yourself after a suspected leak. See propane leaks.

FAQ

What does a propane leak smell like?

Rotten eggs, skunk, decaying matter. The added odorant (ethyl mercaptan) is designed to be detectable at one-fifth of the lower flammable limit. Most propane dealers provide a 'scratch and sniff' card so household members can familiarize themselves with the exact smell.

When should I call the fire department vs the dealer?

If the smell is strong or you suspect a major leak, call both — 911 first. For a faint or intermittent smell, calling the dealer is typically enough — they'll dispatch a technician and decide whether fire department involvement is needed.

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