Natural gas safety

Recognizing a leak

Signs of a gas leak include:

  • A gas odor (which can best be described as the smell of rotten eggs);
  • A blowing or hissing sound; water bubbling or being blown into the air at a pond, creek, or river; dirt being blown or thrown into the air;
  • Fire coming from the ground or burning above the ground;
  • Unusual brown or dead patches of vegetation on or near a pipeline location;
  • A dry spot in a moist field.

If a gas leak occurs

If you smell gas and the odor is very weak, it’s likely that a pilot light went out. Follow the manufacturer’s instruction manual to re-light the pilot.

If the odor is strong or if you hear a hissing or blowing sound, leave your home immediately and on your way out:

  • Do not light a match or a cigarette lighter.
  • Do not attempt to light any appliance.
  • Do not use a phone or flashlight.
  • Do not turn on or turn off any electrical switches.
  • Do leave the house door open.
  • Do warn others to stay away from what you believe to be the source of gas.
  • Do call the gas company and fire department from a neighbor’s house. Be prepared to state your name, address, the address from where you are calling, and the severity and nature of the leak.
 

Agree on a location to meet with the fire department and gas company representative(s) and wait for their arrival. Remember, if you smell a strong odor of gas or hear gas escaping inside or outside your home, do not attempt to locate the problem.

 
 
 

carbon monoxide poisoning

Incomplete combustion of any fuel, including natural gas, produces carbon monoxide, a toxin. It is important to recognize the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, which include:

  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea and Vomiting
  • Headaches
  • Ringing in the Ears
  • Blurred Vision
 

If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, take the following steps:

  • Get yourself or the victim out of the house and into fresh air
  • Get immediate medical attention 
  • Give CPR if the victim is not breathing
  • Call the fire department and your gas company

excess flow valves

An excess flow valve (EFV) may reduce the consequences of a gas leak in the event of a break in the outside service line. The valve is designed to shut down the gas service to your home and reduce the likelihood of unrestricted gas flow from the broken line.

We install EFVs at no additional charge to customers on all new and replaced residential natural gas service lines. We also install EFVs on existing residential and qualifying commercial service lines for a cost of approximately $1,000 – $2,000, depending on the time and labor necessary for the installation.

If you want an EFV installed on your existing service line, please contact us at 276-632-5662.