Natural Gas Safety Tips During Colder Months

We are starting to see the temperatures drop overnight, and our heating systems and other appliances will be working after several months of being shut down, check out these safety reminders from NYSEG and RG&E.

We have had a great summer season this year, and I can’t remember turning on my furnace once over the past several months.

Colder weather will be here soon, and in a matter of days most of us we’ll fire up our heating systems, and NYSEG along with RG&E are reminding people to be safe, and to recognize the possible signs of a natural gas leak.

According to a recent news release, NYSEG and RG&E want you to know the warning signs, and how to protect yourself from a natural gas leak.

Natural gas leaks are best recognized by Smell, Sight, or Sound

Smell: Natural gas is colorless and odorless. For safety, a distinctive sulfur-like odor, similar to rotten eggs, is added so that customers can recognize it quickly. If customers smell natural gas, they should immediately get up, get out and call for help from a safe location.

Sight: A white cloud, mist, fog, bubbles in standing water or blowing dust are also warning signs of a gas leak. Customers may also see vegetation that appears to be dead or dying for no apparent reason.

Sound: Customers may also hear unusual noise like roaring, hissing or whistling.

If any of these things are happening on your home, get out of the house immediately, and then when you are in a safe location, call NYSEG at 1-800-572-1121, or RG&E at 1-800-743-1702

If you are in this situation, do not smoke or operate electrical switches or appliances, any of these could produce a spark that could ignite the gas and cause an explosion

Provide the exact location when calling, and let the person know when reporting the incident if any sewer construction, or digging operations are going on in the area.

Do not assume someone else has reported the condition.

Check out this Safety Video