NYSEG and RG&E Remind Customers of Natural Gas Safety Tips and Resources
With the cold weather here and the new year right around the corner, it’s important to remember natural gas safety tips and resources for a safe new year
If a natural gas leak is suspected get up, get out and get away
BINGHAMTON, NY — December 16, 2024 — New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) and Rochester Gas and Electric (RG&E) remind customers how to use their senses to detect leaks, about natural gas safety inspections, and preventative tools to use to mitigate the risk of future leaks.
Natural Gas Leak:
It’s important for customers to know the warning signs to protect themselves, their families, homes and businesses. A natural gas leak is usually recognized by smell, sight or sound.
- Smell: If customers smell natural gas, they should immediately, get up, get out and call for help from a neighbor’s phone or cell phone. 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.
- Sight: A white cloud, mist, fog, blowing dust, or bubbles in standing water are also warning signs of a natural gas leak. Customers may also see vegetation that appears to be dead or dying for no apparent reason.
- Sound: A natural gas leak is usually detected by hearing an unusual noise like roaring, hissing, or whistling.
NYSEG offers these examples of what customers should do if they suspect a natural gas leak:
- Get up, get out and get away! Then call 911 or NYSEG at 800.572.1121 immediately from a safe location.
- Do not smoke or operate electrical switches or appliances. These items may produce a spark that might ignite the natural gas and cause an explosion.
- Do not assume someone else will report the condition. Provide the exact location, including cross streets.
- Let us know if sewer construction or digging activities are going on in the area.
Natural Gas Meter Safety Inspections:
We’ll be on the ground, keeping customers safe.
To ensure the safe delivery of natural gas to your home or business, we will be out in neighborhoods conducting safety inspections of customers’ natural gas meters. As required and for our customers’ safety, the inspections will assess the condition of the service line pipe and can be quickly completed.
Carbon Monoxide Safety:
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is a product of incomplete combustion. Carbon monoxide poisoning can happen in a matter of minutes.
To help mitigate the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, customers should install a carbon monoxide alarm. Other protections can be taken as well, like having your heating system, chimney, flues and vents professionally checked.
If you suspect a carbon monoxide problem, get up, get out and get away! Then call 911, RG&E at 1-800-743-1702, or NYSEG at 800.572.1121 immediately from a safe location.
Media Contact:
Max Weissman
(585) 857- 1650