Natural Gas

Natural gas is completely safe when it's sealed inside pipes and used in the right way. The dangers occur when gas leaks out or doesn't combust properly in an appliances. Natural gas is flammable - if there's a flame or even a spark in the area of a leak, it could cause an explosion. In its natural state, natural gas is colorless and odorless. That is why a harmless distinctive odorant is added to the gas before it is delivered to your residence or place of business. The odorant within the gas creates a smell similar to rotten eggs. This odor is distinctive and unpleasant, which makes gas leaks easy to detect.

Gas Detection and Emergencies

Indoors
Your nose is the best equipment in detecting potential natural gas leaks. If you smell an odor that has the distinctive scent of sulfur or rotten eggs, take immediate action. Escaping gas can result in fires and explosions. If you detect a leak indoors, here's what you can do:

• Immediately leave and clear all occupants from the structure
• Call 911
• Call your local gas provider

Once you leave the building, do not return to the structure until an emergency responder and a representative from the gas provider have examined it. Emergency personnel and the gas provider will take the necessary steps to correct the problem, and declare the area safe for re-entry.

Outdoors
If you're near a natural gas pipeline outdoors, these tips can help you detect a natural gas leak:

• An odor that has the distinctive scent of sulfur or rotten eggs.
• Dirt or water blowing into the air, or standing water continuously bubbling.
• Discolored vegetation (like brown patches in a green field), or dry spots in a moist field.
• A loud roaring or high-pitched hissing sound.

If there is a leak or you suspect a leak, you should:

• Immediately leave and clear all occupants from the area.
• In unpopulated areas odorant may not be added to the natural gas pipeline, so exercise caution.
• Call 911
• Call the local gas provider

Important Tips:

• Do not turn on or off an electrical switch or appliance of any kind.
• Do not smoke or light any matches
• As you leave the residence or building, open doors and windows to help the natural gas dissipate
• Call 911 from the neighbor’s phone or a mobile phone that is away from the suspected leak. Phones may cause a spark
• If possible, stay away from carpeted areas to avoid sparks of static electricity
• Advise others of the potential danger so they will not enter the area.
• Extinguish all open flames; do not smoke or light any matches
• Do not operate or use engines or motors (autos, lawn mowers, construction machinery, power tools, etc.) in the area where the gas leak is suspected.

Call MISS DIG Before You Dig

Avoid Careless Damage and Accidents

Natural gas delivered to your home or business arrives through an intricate network of underground pipelines. A potential accident or pipeline break can occur with careless operation of a backhoe, bulldozer, jackhammer, or any heavy equipment. Always plan out excavation projects and call MISS DIG before you dig. Call 1-800-482-7171 for MISS DIG.