Utility Disruptions

Gas Supply Disruptions

A natural gas furnace.

While natural gas is odorless, a harmless chemical odor is added so leaks will be easy to detect.

What to Do If You Smell Gas

  • Call 911 to report the smell of gas.
  • If the odor is faint, open windows to air out the area before leaving.
  • If the odor is strong, leave the premises IMMEDIATELY.
  • Do not smoke or light lighters or matches. Do not use your telephone, switch on electrical appliances, lights, or even a flashlight in the area where you smell gas — any spark could cause a fire.

About Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide — a colorless and odorless gas — is a normal by-product of fuel combustion that can be created by typical heating fuels (e.g., oil, coal, wood, gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel or natural gas). High levels of carbon monoxide indoors, however, can be dangerous to your health, and can cause serious illness or death if inhaled in large concentrations.

Carbon monoxide can build up to a dangerous level if a fuel-burning appliance isn't operating properly, or is not safely venting fuel combustion by-products. For instance, dangerous levels of carbon monoxide can be produced from improperly vented furnaces, plugged or cracked chimneys, water heaters, space heaters, fireplaces, stoves, and tail pipes.

Running a vehicle inside a garage is the most common carbon monoxide danger. During the heating season, when fresh air circulation is reduced, it's especially important to prevent carbon monoxide buildup indoors.

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