Natural Gas Safety Information
Understanding the potential dangers of natural gas and dealing with them correctly enables you to remain safe in and around your home and workplace. Use the tips below to avoid natural gas-related hazards and injuries.
Learn the warning signs of a gas pipeline leak:
- A distinctive, sulfur-like odor.
- A hissing or roaring sound.
- Dirt spraying or blowing into the air from a hole in the ground.
- Continual bubbling in water.
- Dead or dying vegetation in an otherwise moist area over or near a pipeline.
If you contact a natural gas pipeline:
- Warn others and leave the area quickly.
- Do not use matches, cell phones, radios or lighters.
- Leave the excavation open.
- From a safe location, call 911 and the local natural gas utility immediately.
- Stay away from the area until safety officials say it is safe to return.
When responding to a natural gas emergency contact the local natural gas utility and follow these procedures:
- Park emergency vehicles away and upwind from the area.
- Evacuate the area immediately.
- Turn off gas at meters or appliance supply lines only.
- Do not use water to suppress a natural gas fire.