Do
- Use your nose. If you ever detect even a small amount of the odour of natural gas in the air, don’t stay– get away. Then, contact your natural gas provider. If you don’t know that number, dial emergency services, 9-1-1.
- Look for the blue flame. If pilot lights and burners have a steady, blue flame, they are operating correctly.
- Have all gas appliances, vents, and gas lines in your home or business inspected every year or two by qualified industry professionals.
- Keep the areas around all appliances and equipment clean and unblocked to allow for proper air flow.
- Follow manufacturer instructions for the care and use of gas appliances and equipment.
- Make sure there is at least one multipurpose fire extinguisher in your home or place of business.
- Review these natural gas safety tips regularly with ALL family members and co-workers.
Don’t
- Ever let small children play with or near natural gas appliances or pipes, even the knobs on the oven or cooktop.
- Use your stove or oven for anything other than cooking (for instance, to heat your home), under any circumstances.
- Move or install a gas appliance or change the connector in any way without professional assistance.
- Install a gas appliance yourself, unless you are a qualified contractor. Instead, you should always seek professional assistance.
- Ever store household chemicals or combustible materials near gas appliances.
- Gas line leaks
- While rare, natural gas line leaks can be extremely dangerous. The most telling sign of a natural gas line leak is the familiar rotten egg odour the natural gas coming into the home has. This odour is added to the natural gas so it can be detected in the event of a leak.
- The biggest hazard of a gas leak is an explosion. When natural gas builds up in an enclosed area, it becomes extremely volatile. A gas buildup has the potential to be explosive, or could make those in the area very sick. Gas leaks in the home can be easily prevented by ensuring flexible gas lines are inspected regularly and installed properly by licensed professionals.
- If you detect a strong gas odour, follow these tips:
- Do not attempt to locate the leak.
- Do not turn on or off any electrical appliances.
- Do not smoke or use any open flames.
- Leave the house or office and, from a safe distance, call the utility company and 9-1-1.
By following these safety tips, natural gas can continue to be a safe and efficient source of energy for the home.