Here are few additional reasons why natural gas related incidents are extremely rare.
Due to natural gas’ extremely limited range of flammability, the event of a leak or related incident is highly unlikely. In fact, not only does natural gas require a unique and very precise combination of air and natural gas before it can burn (plus, an ignition temperature that’s around twice that of gasoline), natural gas is lighter than air and will usually disperse into the air when allowed to vent freely.
While natural gas is naturally odorless, “mercaptan” (an odorant that smells similar to rotten eggs) is added so individuals can easily and immediately detect even the smallest leak. Other signs of a potential natural gas leak include blowing dirt, bubbling creeks/ponds or dead vegetation in an otherwise green area, as well as hissing sounds near a natural gas appliance or pipeline.
If you smell a distinct “rotten egg” odor or otherwise suspect a natural gas leak, it’s important to clear the location immediately. DO NOT:
- Attempt to locate the gas leak
- Use a cell phone (or land line) until safely outside the location
- Smoke, light a match or do anything else that may cause a spark
- Turn on or off any electric switches, ring the doorbell, open any garage doors or unplug any appliances
- Use elevators or operate any sort of power equipment
Once away from the location, DO:
- Call your local natural gas utility as soon as it is safe to do so
- Call 9-1-1 if the smell is particularly strong or you sense a more serious emergency