It's important for you and everyone in your family to know all you can about natural gas safety. Do your part to make a safe fuel even safer.
DO:
- Learn all you can about natural gas. The more you know...the more you will be safe.
- Use your nose. If you ever detect even a small amount of the odor of natural gas in the air, don’t stay—get away. Then, from a safe distance, 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. (Decorative gas fire logs are the only exception. Their flame is usually yellow.)
- Have all gas appliances, furnaces, vents, flues, chimneys 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 coworkers.
DON’T:
- 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.
- Use a space heater until you are sure it has been vented properly. If using a vent-free heater, make sure the automatic cut-off switch is operational.
- Install a gas appliance yourself, unless you are a qualified contractor. However, you should always seek professional assistance.
- Store household chemicals or combustible materials near gas appliances.
Above all, don’t forget to learn what to do if you ever smell natural gas in the air: SMELL GAS? ACT FAST!
