Natural Gas Safety

Do not attempt to locate the source of a gas leak.

Do not remain in the building when there is a strong gas odor. From a safe distance, be ready to let our representative into your home or business so he or she can investigate.

Do not turn on or off any battery-powered, rechargeable or electrical device, including phones, garage door openers, radios, TVs, computers or any device that could create a spark.

Do not turn on or turn off any lights or electrical switches, or unplug appliances.

Do not use telephones of any type, including cordless, cell or landline.

Do not use elevators.

Do not position or operate vehicles and power equipment where leaking gas may be present.

Do not smoke or use lighters, matches or other open flames.

Not sure what natural gas smells like? Request one of our scratch-and-sniff cards and we'll mail one to you.

Keep forced-air furnace filters clean. Clean or replace them according to the manufacturer's recommendation.

Avoid using or storing these products near the furnace: paint stripper, fabric or water softener, bleach, adhesives, or salt for melting ice. The chlorine or fluorine in these items can lead to furnace corrosion.

If your owner's manual recommends it, oil the furnace fan, motor and bearings.

Keep your heat registers and cold-air returns clean so the air can flow properly. Also, arrange your furniture and drapes so they don't block the airflow.

Have a qualified heating contractor inspect your furnace or boiler annually. A properly tuned furnace saves energy and helps avoid costly repairs.

Check flues to make sure they are clean and open, as fuel buildup can create harmful levels of carbon monoxide (CO). CO is a dangerous and odorless gas which can collect in your home if a fuel-burning appliance isn't working properly or venting as it should.

While we own the gas meter, it is the customer’s responsibility to provide clear access to the meter and associated metering equipment, and to keep it free from obstructions such as snow, ice and shrubs. Ice, icicles or water splashing, dripping and freezing on appliance vents or the gas meter may prevent safe and efficient operation and create a potentially hazardous situation. Here are some tips:

• Pay attention to snow or ice around the meter and/or piping. Remove by hand or gently brush with a broom. DO NOT strike the metering equipment with any objects to remove ice.
• Prevent meter damage from ice and freezing water by removing icicles from overhead eaves and gutters.
• Keep side wall vents clear of snow and ice to ensure gas appliances will operate properly so any accumulated carbon monoxide can escape.
• Do not plow or pile snow up against or on the gas metering equipment or any of the company’s equipment buildings. Company personnel must be able to access metering equipment at all times in the event of an emergency.

If you smell natural gas, suspect a leak, or if none of your gas appliances appear to be working (a possible sign of a leak), first get a safe distance away from the hazard, then Contact Us immediately.