Gas meters are often located near ground level on the sides of buildings, where vehicles and snowplows may accidentally collide with them. Damage to a meter or its piping can cause a gas leak that results in a fire or explosion. If you crash into a gas meter, take these steps:
Leave your vehicle.
Put your vehicle in park. DO NOT turn off the engine, as a spark from the ignition could ignite leaking gas. Warn others and leave the area quickly on foot.
Avoid spark hazards.
DO NOT use matches, lighters, cigarettes, vape pens or anything electrical—not even a garage door opener. A spark from any of these items could ignite the gas.
Call 911 and the local gas utility.
When you are a safe distance away, call 911 and the local gas utility. Do not assume someone else will report it. Call the utility even if you do not detect a gas leak or there is no visible damage to the meter. (The damage may be under the ground.)
Stay away from the area.
Stay away from the area until utility personnel say it is safe to return. DO NOT try to close the meter valve, fix a broken pipe or otherwise attempt to stop the flow of gas.
Gas meter configurations vary.
Follow the same steps if you crash into gas piping, valves or other gas equipment.
