Propane Gas Emergency in Puerto Rico, Numbers and What to Do

If you smell gas or suspect a propane leak right now, your safety comes first. This page gives you the immediate safety steps, the emergency numbers available 24 hours, and how to contact Tropigas.

Emergency Numbers, in Order of Priority

1. 1
   Active emergency (leak, fire, strong smell): 911 or fire department. Always first. Call from outside, already evacuated.
2. 2
   24-hour emergency response line (CHEMTREC): 1-800-424-9300. Available 24 hours, every day, and covers Puerto Rico. It is a hazardous materials incident response line. If you call about an incident involving Tropigas propane, the reference account number is CCN692055.
3. 3
   Tropigas, service and inspections: 787-641-8002, Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For refills, safety inspections, and situations that are not an active emergency.

What to Do if You Smell Propane Gas

Follow these steps in order:

1. 1
   Evacuate the area immediately. Get all people and pets out of the building.
2. 2
   Do NOT touch electrical switches. A spark can ignite the gas. Do not turn lights on or off, do not use your phone inside, do not start the car in the garage.
3. 3
   Do NOT use flames or matches. No candles, stoves, or lighters.
4. 4
   If you can do it safely, close the tank valve. Only if it is accessible and you can reach it without risk.
5. 5
   From a safe place far away, call 911 or the fire department.
6. 6
   Do not return to the building until a professional confirms it is safe.

How to Recognize a Propane Leak

Propane is naturally odorless, so an odorant is added that smells like rotten eggs or sulfur. Signs of a possible leak:

• A rotten egg or sulfur smell
• A hissing or blowing sound near the tank or lines
• Dead or discolored vegetation near the buried gas line
• Bubbles in standing water near the gas system
• A pilot flame that will not stay lit

After a Gas Emergency

Once emergency services confirm the area is safe:

• Do not use the gas system again until a certified technician inspects it
• Contact Tropigas at 787-641-8002 to schedule a safety inspection
• Do not attempt to repair lines or connections yourself
• Document any visible damage for the inspection

Emergency Prevention

The best emergency is the one that never happens:

• Schedule regular safety inspections with Tropigas
• Install propane gas and carbon monoxide detectors
• Know the location of your tank's shutoff valve
• Keep the area around the tank and generator clear
• Never use gas equipment in enclosed spaces without ventilation