Report Dangerous Gas or Electric Lines in Dallas

Utilities and Infrastructure Texas 4 Minutes Read · published February 06, 2026 Flag of Texas

In Dallas, Texas, a dangerous gas leak or downed electric line is an immediate public-safety hazard. This guide explains who to call, how the city and utilities respond, and the steps property owners and residents should take to report unsafe gas or electrical infrastructure to Dallas officials and the responsible utilities.

If you smell gas or see a downed power line, evacuate the area and call 911 immediately.

When to Call and Who Responds

Call 911 for immediate danger (fire, explosion, exposed energized conductors). For utility-specific emergency response, contact the electric or gas utility for the affected line. Report nonlife-threatening hazards to the City of Dallas nonemergency reporting system and follow utility instructions when provided.

Electric utilities in Dallas commonly responsible include the local transmission/distribution company; downed lines are handled by the utility and emergency services. Gas distribution emergencies are handled by the gas utility and first responders.

For electric outages or downed lines, notify the electric utility directly. For gas leaks, notify the gas utility and leave the area if you smell gas.

Oncor outage and emergency reporting page[1]

Atmos Energy gas emergency reporting page[2]

For non-emergency reports to the City of Dallas about public-rights-of-way hazards or to request an inspection, use Dallas 311 or the city reporting portal.

City of Dallas 311 non-emergency reporting[3]

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for dangerous utility lines involves multiple authorities: the utility company (for system repairs and safety), Dallas Fire-Rescue and other emergency responders (for immediate public-safety actions), and the City of Dallas (for violations of municipal code where applicable). Specific monetary fines for unsafe gas or electric lines are not detailed on the cited emergency-reporting pages; see the listed official sources for each enforcing body for procedures and enforcement authority.

Utilities have primary responsibility to secure, repair, and make safe hazardous lines.
  • Enforcer: utility operator for system repairs; Dallas Fire-Rescue for immediate hazards; City of Dallas code/enforcement for municipal violations.
  • Fines: not specified on the cited pages; see enforcing agency pages for penalties.
  • Escalation: first response is remediation and safety; repeat or continuing violations may trigger administrative action or civil enforcement—specific ranges not specified on the cited pages.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: emergency work orders, repair directives to the utility, restraining orders, or court actions may be used.
  • Inspection and complaint pathways: report to 911 for immediate danger, the utility for system issues, and Dallas 311 for non-emergency municipal inspections.
If the city issues an emergency repair order, utilities generally must comply immediately to restore public safety.

Applications & Forms

No special application is required to report an emergency hazard; reporting is by phone or online portal per the utility or Dallas 311. For repair work on private property or to perform excavation, standard building or permit forms from the City of Dallas may apply (see Resources). The emergency-reporting pages do not list a specific incident-report form for public use.

How the Response Works

Typical sequence when a dangerous gas or electric line is reported:

  • Report: 911 for life-threatening situations, or contact the utility’s emergency line for utility-only incidents.
  • Dispatch: emergency services and the utility dispatch crews to secure the scene.
  • Mitigation: utility isolates, repairs, or secures the line; city agencies may order further remediation.
  • Follow-up: inspection and documentation; further enforcement if hazards persist.
Always follow instructions from emergency responders and utility crews on scene.

FAQ

Who do I call if I smell gas?
Evacuate the area, avoid ignition sources, call 911, and then contact your gas utility’s emergency number as listed on their official site.
What if I see a downed power line?
Stay well clear, keep others away, and call 911 immediately; also report the outage to the electric utility.
Can the city force a private property owner to fix a dangerous line?
The city can issue orders or pursue enforcement under municipal code when a public-safety hazard exists; specifics depend on the case and are handled by city code enforcement and emergency services.

How-To

  1. Immediately move to a safe location away from the smell or the downed line.
  2. Call 911 if there is an immediate danger to life, fire, or if people are injured.
  3. Contact the appropriate utility emergency number: electric utility for downed lines, gas utility for suspected leaks. See official utility emergency pages for numbers and instructions.[1][2]
  4. For non-emergency hazards affecting public property or right-of-way, submit a report to Dallas 311 online or by phone.[3]
  5. Follow any instructions from emergency responders and utility crews; keep records of report dates, times, and names for follow-up or appeals.

Key Takeaways

  • If you smell gas or see a downed line, treat it as life-threatening and call 911.
  • Contact the utility for emergency response; the city supports public-safety and inspection.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Oncor outage and emergency reporting
  2. [2] Atmos Energy gas emergency reporting
  3. [3] City of Dallas 311 non-emergency reporting

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