Article provided by Xcel Energy Center.
ST. PAUL, Minn. - Here are some tips on natural gas safety and how to recognize the danger signs.
Smell: Natural gas has no odor, so a harmless odorant called mercaptan is added
to help you detect a leak. Many people describe the odor of mercaptan as similar
to rotten eggs or sulfur, but it may smell differently to you.
Hear: Leaking natural gas may produce a hissing or blowing sound.
See: A leak also may cause dust, dirt or debris to fly or create blowing or
continuous bubbling in water or kill grass or plants for no apparent reason.
Respond: If you detect the smell of natural gas or suspect a natural gas leak,
immediately get everyone to a safe location and follow these safety tips:
- Do not turn on or off electrical switches or unplug appliances.
- Avoid using electric appliances such as garage door openers or telephones of any type.
- Do not start up or shut down motor vehicles or any other electrical equipment.
- Avoid open flames or other ignition sources.
- Call Xcel Energy at 1-800-895-2999 and 9-1-1 in an emergency.
