Detecting a Leak
Be sure you and your family know how to recognize a gas leak and what to do when you smell gas: English | Arabic | Chinese | French | Italian | Portuguese | Russian | Spanish | Thai | Vietnamese
1. Smell
A gas leak will give off a smell of rotten eggs. This is because natural gas is injected with a harmless but odorous substance called mercaptan.
2. Sight
If you see dirt blowing around, bubbling water or discolored vegetation near a buried natural gas line, you may have a leak.
3. Sound
Beware of a hissing or blowing sound near the gas meter, gas appliance or piping.
Suspect a Leak?
- Move to a safe environment.
- Put out any cigarettes, candles or matches.
- Don’t switch on any lights or appliances.
- Leave your doors open as you exit the building.
- Do not assume that someone else will report the condition.
- Leave the building and call us at 1-800-639-8081 or 911
Protect Your Home With Natural Gas Detectors
Your home should already have a carbon monoxide detector and smoke detector. Now it’s time to install a natural gas detector. Natural gas detectors are critical if you or a member of your household is not able to smell natural gas, especially for households with children and the elderly. Natural gas detectors are designed to sense the presence of natural gas in your home, providing an additional layer of protection and peace of mind. Installing natural gas detectors in key areas of your home ensures constant monitoring of air quality, making your living environment safer for everyone.
How to Use Natural Gas Detectors in Your Home
Natural gas detectors are simple and effective devices that are easy to install and maintain. They should be placed in at least within 12″ of the ceiling in the same room where natural gas appliances are located, such as kitchens, laundry rooms, and near furnaces or water heaters. The detector will alert when gas leaks from an appliance or pipe, or a stove burner is on without a flame.
You natural gas detector should be certified to Underwriter Laboratory Standard 1484 “Residential Gas Detectors”. Regularly test your detectors to ensure they are working properly, and replace batteries or sensors as recommended by the manufacturer. Detectors often come with indicator lights and audible alarms that alert you when maintenance is needed, making it simple to keep them in top working condition.
What To Do If Alarm Goes Off
If your natural gas detector goes off, it’s important to remain calm and follow these steps:
- Leave the Home Immediately: Safely and quickly exit your home. Do not attempt to find the source of the gas. If you smell gas and your alarm does not activate, also evacuate immediately.
- Avoid Using Electronics: Refrain from using electrical switches, phones, or appliances on your way out, as these could trigger sparks.
- Open Windows and Doors: If safe to do so, open windows and doors to allow fresh air in and help ventilate the space.
- Call for Assistance: Once outside, call 911 or VGS at 1-800-639-8081 to report the alarm and seek further instructions.
- Stay Outside: Do not re-enter the home until professionals have inspected and declared it safe.
Having a plan in place and ensuring that all family members know what to do will help ensure a swift and safe response if your natural gas detector ever sounds an alarm.