Natural gas is a safe, clean, efficient fuel for home or business use. The following recommendations will assist you in using natural gas appliances safely and economically. Your local natural gas or propane provider may recommend additional safety precautions.
If You Smell Gas, TAKE ACTION!!!
Because natural gas is colorless and odorless, a harmless but strong-smelling ingredient called "mercaptan" has been added to draw attention to any leak that might occur.
If you smell this strong odor in your home or business, or you have other reason to suspect a natural gas leak, take action right away:
Immediately extinguish all open flames, such as candles, cigarettes, kerosene lamps and heaters.
Alert everyone in the area of the potential danger and evacuate the area.
Do not touch any light switches, do not use the phone, and do not use a flashlight as you leave. Avoid any actions that could cause a spark.
Move a safe distance away from the area and call your natural gas delivery company, or call 911 to report the location of the natural gas odor. (Delmarva Power natural gas customers should call 302-454-0317.)
Stay away from the area until trained professionals arrive to make it safe.
Never try to fix a leaking natural gas pipeline or extinguish a natural gas fire.
Annual Appliance Check-Ups
A qualified contractor should inspect your natural gas appliances and piping each year. Vent inspection is also necessary to ensure that any carbon monoxide is vented outside your home or business. These inspections can identify potential problems and ensure the safety of your family and employees.
If You Hit a Natural Gas Line...
Although natural gas is not poisonous, it is extremely flammable. If, despite all precautions, you hit a natural gas pipeline or have reason to suspect a leak, Delmarva Power urges you to take these six steps to protect yourself and others. (Your local natural gas or propane provider may recommend additional precautions.)
1. Extinguish all open flames - such as welding equipment, heaters, cigarettes, etc. - immediately. Turn off machinery.
2. Avoid any action that could cause a spark.
3. Alert everyone in the area of the potential danger.
4. Evacuate the site. Tape, rope or place cones around the area. As a last resort, if no other barricade materials are available, make a human chain a safe distance from the danger to keep others away.
5. From a safe distance, call your natural gas delivery company, or call 911 to report the location of the natural gas odor. (Delmarva Power natural gas customers should call 302-454-0317.)
6. Wait for professionals to arrive. Never try to fix a natural gas pipeline yourself or try to extinguish a gas fire. Remember, some of the most serious accidents are caused by well-meaning individuals who try to help when they are not qualified to do so.
