Natural Gas Safety

 

Natural gas is an odorless, non-toxic gas used to fuel many common household appliances.  Under certain conditions, leaking gas can cause a fire or explosion. 

SWL&P adds a non-toxic, non-flammable odorant called mercaptan to our natural gas.  This foul smelling chemical produces a “rotten egg” odor, which allows you to smell natural gas, helps alarm you to a gas leak.  Here are some tips to help prevent gas leaks and accidents:

Stay safe in your home

• Your home should have at least one smoke detector on each floor.
• If you use natural gas or LP gas (liquefied petroleum, or propane) you should have at least one battery operated CO detector in the bedroom area.

Stay safe in your kitchen

• Never use a stove or oven to heat your home.
• Keep combustibles away from heat sources.
• Every kitchen needs a fire extinguisher.

Stay safe in your laundry room

• Keep filters and exhausts cleaned and properly vented.
• Check vents regularly for blockage.

Stay safe in your utility room or basement

• Don't store flammable liquids near the furnace or gas water heater.
• Keep the area around the water heater free of clutter.
• To prevent scalding, set water heat no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Have your furnace inspected every year and keep the filter clean.
• Never hang things from utility pipes.
• Keep combustibles away from heat sources.

Stay safe in your garage

• Keep your garage clean.
• Cars, lawn mowers, gas powered generators and barbecue grills produce CO when working properly…never use them indoors or in the garage with the door closed.

Stay safe in your family room

• Only use these things when an adult is home.
• Follow the space heater's instructions carefully and use with proper ventilation.
• Keep the area clean.

Stay safe outside your home

• Stay away from LP tanks, meters and hookups.
• Natural gas delivered through a network of underground pipelines; locate them on your property before you dig by calling 811.