Map of natural gas leaks in the Greater Boston area If you can smell any level of gas, that qualifies as a "gas emergency", and the utility company is required to address it promptly.
National Grid contact info From the National Grid website: Please call us immediately if you experience a gas safety emergency and/or gas outage. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at: Massachusetts: 1-800-233-5325
What is a gas emergency? Gas safety emergencies can include but or not limited to some of the following: You smell gas or suspect a gas leak. There is low pressure (low flame) or no gas in all of your gas appliances. Gas to an appliance or heating unit stays on and cannot be shut off. There is a continuous flow of water leaking from your gas heating unit or water heater.
General Outage Advice From NStar If you experience an outage, please call 800-592-2000 or go to www.nstar.com (via PC or mobile device) to report it. It's important that you report an outage even if you think your neighbors may have already reported it. The more information we have, the better we are able to improve our assessment of damage and make repairs.
If you see a downed power line, always assume it is live; do not go near it, and never drive over the line.
If you use a generator, follow all safety precautions and be sure it is ventilated properly.
If you use a cell phone, be sure to save your power.
Food in your refrigerator will keep for 6 to 9 hours, and food in your freezer will keep between 36 and 48 hours. It will help to minimize the number of times the door is opened.
For information on emergency disaster services, including shelters, please contact the American Red Cross at 800-733-2767 (800-RED-CROSS) or online at
* Red Cross
Other advice: Water
In addition to stocking up on drinking water, fill a bathtub with water for flushing toilets etc. in case water runs out.
Advice from Lexington Boy Scouts Troup 160 Scoutmaster Hank Manz - Boy scouts earn service hours for shoveling that is not connected to their own home:
"When you are through shoveling out your own home, make sure that hydrants and storm drains in the neighborhood are clear. And check on neighbors who may not be able to do the work or who may just need a little help.
You can't remember where the hydrants are? Look for the yellow bands on the power poles. One band means the hydrant is on that side of the street. Two bands means it is across the street. Then look at the numbers. Numbers to the right as you look at the band means the hydrant is that many feet away and to the right. Ditto for left.
Digging out bus stops and walkways at intersections is another good way to use your time.
BUT STAY SAFE WHILE YOU ARE DOING YOUR WORK!!!!