What to do if you suspect a gas leak: look, listen and smell November 27, 2001
Important Steps to Gas Safety
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - While natural gas is a very safe and efficient fuel, consumers must be aware of and alert to the potential danger of gas leaks. Atlanta Gas Light Company conducts an ongoing safety campaign to educate consumers about the odor of natural gas and necessary steps to take if a gas leak is suspected.
"Natural gas customers need to remember to call Atlanta Gas Light Company, not their marketer, in the event of a gas leak," said Susan McLaughlin, president and CEO of Atlanta Gas Light Company. "There is confusion since deregulation about who is responsible for responding to these situations. While retail gas marketers handle customer service and billing for customers, Atlanta Gas Light distributes natural gas to the marketers; manages the gas system infrastructure; and manages meter reading for the marketers."
Where to call for gas leaks
Regardless of what retail gas marketer consumers use, if they suspect a gas leak, they should call Atlanta Gas Light Company at 770-907-4231 in the metro Atlanta area or 1-877-427-4321 outside the metro Atlanta area.
Gas Leaks: What to do
Since natural gas has no odor of its own, chemical odorants are added to the gas so that it can be detected in the event of a leak. This odor is commonly described as a rotten egg smell. It is important to note that natural gas is non-toxic, but it can be dangerous since it is combustible.
If a gas odor is detected, leave the premises immediately and call Atlanta Gas Light Company's 24-hour Emergency Gas Leak number immediately. Some important things to remember when evacuating:
Do not attempt to locate the gas leak
Open doors and windows if it is possible to do so quickly and easily. Do not turn lights on or off or unplug electrical appliances. Stay away from the house - or location in question - until declared safe to return by Atlanta Gas Light Company representatives.
Safety tips about carbon monoxide Carbon monoxide is a highly poisonous gas and has no odor, taste or color. Warning signs include any unusual behavior in gas appliances or a yellowish-color flame on a gas appliance burner.
If natural gas appliances are not maintained, adjusted and operated properly, they could produce carbon monoxide. A licensed professional should inspect appliances annually to insure safe operation. An inspection will accomplish the following:
- Make sure the appliance is installed properly and that it is in good working condition.
- Insure that there is enough fresh air circulating for the fuel to burn properly.
- Check that vents are in good condition and are not blocked with debris.
For additional safety information, please visit the Atlanta Gas Light Company web site at AtlantaGasLight.com.