Gas Leaks & Detection

Safety Home Page

For any suspected gas emergency, or questions regarding a gas odor or carbon monoxide, please call us immediately at 1-800-427-2200.

• How to detect a natural gas leak
• What to do if you suspect a natural gas leak
• Natural gas odor fade (loss of odorant)
• How to shut off your gas meter
• Information about carbon monoxide
• General Emergency Preparedness

Natural gas is lighter than air and has an ignition temperature of approximately 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit. Ignition of natural gas can occur from an open flame, lit cigarette, or an electronic device such as a light switch or power tool.

For your protection, The Gas Company adds a distinctive odor to natural gas, so leaks can be more readily detected. However, you should not rely on your sense of smell alone to determine if you have a gas leak.

• How to detect a natural gas leak

Odor Fade

Some persons may not be able to smell the odor because they have a diminished sense of smell or because the odor is being masked by other odors in the area. In addition, certain conditions, such as odor fade, (loss of odorant) may cause the odor to diminish so that it is not detectable.

• Odor fade (loss of odorant)

January 30, 2009