Natural gas is one of the safest and most reliable energy sources available today. In fact, natural gas related incidents are exceptionally rare, with everything from industry standards to easy detection helping attribute to natural gas’ strong and growing safety record.
Did you know that…?
- Every day natural gas is safely and reliably delivered to more than 60 million homes and business across America
- Natural gas has an extremely limited range of flammability—and because natural gas is lighter than air, it will usually disperse into the air when allowed to vent freely
- The nation-wide natural gas industry spends over $6 billion per year on safety alone
- Over the past 10-plus years, safety incidents in the US have decreased by 38% while the amount of natural gas delivered has increased by around 25%
How To Smell A Leak
A “rotten egg” odorant is added to natural gas, making it quick and easy to detect a potential leak. Remember to keep your “nose, eyes and ears” out for the e signs of a natural gas safety hazard, and clear the location immediately if you recognize the possible signs of danger.
Smell – “Rotten egg” odor
See – Blowing dirt, bubbling creeks/ponds or dead vegetation in an otherwise green area
Hear – Hissing sounds near a natural gas appliance or pipeline
Responding To A Leak
If you suspect or detect a natural gas leak, it’s crucial that you do the following two things in the following order.
- Clear the location immediately
(…And only once you’re safely away from the location – not before)
- Call your local natural gas utility (or dial 911, if needed) to report the potential emergency
DO NOT:
- Do not attempt to locate the gas leak
- Do not use any type of phone until safely outside the location
- Do not smoke, light a match or do anything that may cause a spark
- Do not touch, operate or unplug any electric switches or equipment, including light switches, doorbells, garage doors, household appliances, etc.
- Do not use elevators or operate any sort of power equipment
Additional Safety Tips
- Clean or replace your furnace filters regularly
- Keep all your vents clear of debris and other blockage
- Pay attention to the color of the flame on your natural gas appliances, which should be blue. If the color is mostly yellow, your appliance could be releasing carbon monoxide or otherwise malfunctioning. Please clear the location immediately and contact your natural gas utility
- Never use aluminum foil to line your oven or the burners on your stovetop
- Periodically check your range pilots for carbon buildup
- Never store items on or around natural gas appliances
- Only use appliances for their intended purpose (Don’t try to use your natural gas range for space heat, etc.)
- Have your furnace and other seasonal appliances inspected and maintained annually
- Watch out for signs of improper venting, such as soot around your appliances
- Remove lint from your dryer vent in-between each and every load