Natural Gas Safety

Publicly-owned and community-owned gas systems take great pride in their ability to deliver natural gas safely to over 5 million customers in the United States. Safety is our members' top priority. The American Public Gas Association, the natural gas industry, and members of the public all play a part in keeping their communities safe.

While rare, gas leaks can result in fires and explosions. It's important that everyone knows how to recognize a gas leak and what to do if a leak is suspected.

How To Detect A Natural Gas Leak

rotten eggs

What's that smell?

Since natural gas is odorless, your natural gas provider adds a safe, non-toxic odorant called Mercaptan to the gas. This is so you can quickly know natural gas is in the air.

Mercaptan has a distinctive smell, similar to sulfur or rotten eggs. Odorizing natural gas is an important safety feature required of all natural gas utilities.

You may also be able to identify natural gas by sight or sound. If you hear a hissing or roaring sound or see blowing dirt, bubbling water, or dead or dying plants - that could be caused by natural gas.

A gas leak detector can give you peace of mind if you have a weak sense of smell and help keep you and your neighbors safe by sounding an alarm before natural gas reaches the explosive range. Gas leak detectors are available at many hardware and home improvement stores, as well as online.

 

What To Do If You Suspect A Natural Gas Leak

STOP

Do you smell rotten eggs or suspect a gas leak? Don’t light a match, smoke, start your car, flip a light switch, or touch appliances and electronics, including your phone or flashlight.

LEAVE

Leave immediately and take others with you.

If the leak is outside, leave the area quickly.

CALL

Find a phone away from the area to call 911 and your natural gas utility.

Follow directions from your utility or emergency responders.

Know What's Below

call before you dig

Call 811 Before You Dig


Planting a tree? Putting in a new mailbox, driveway, sidewalk, or fence? Installing an inground pool?

Utility lines beneath the ground provide all the essentials of a safe, modern home, including electricity, water, natural gas and sewer. To ensure your safety, call 811 to locate them before you start any projects that involve digging on your property—like landscaping, fence installation or construction.

Calling 811 is free and you will also keep your home, family, and neighborhood safe by preventing an emergency or property damage.

Call 811 at least a few business days before you plan to dig so your local utilities can mark their lines so you can dig safely. Here's what happens next after you call 811 to have underground utilities located.

  • A utility locator comes out to your home or business.
  • The contractor locates natural gas and utility lines on your property—for free.
  • The contractor uses visual markers to identify the lines so you know where it's safe to dig, and areas you should avoid.
Homeowners should have the location of their outside gas lines from your meter to your natural gas appliances marked before any excavation on your property. Also, homeowners should have those lines inspected periodically for leaks and corrosion by a qualified professional. 

Homeowners can use the call811.com website to find information about the specific processes and laws in each state.

CALL811 WEBSITE