Safety
We're committed to providing safe and reliable natural gas.
Smell Gas? Act Fast!
Because natural gas is colorless and odorless, we've added a chemical odorant called mercaptan that makes natural gas smell like rotten eggs. This distinctive scent allows you to smell potential leaks quickly and take steps to stay safe. If you smell that stench in the air, make sure you do the following:
Look
for discolored vegetation, blowing dirt or continued bubbling water in the area of a buried gas line.
Listen
for a hissing or roaring noise near a natural gas appliance or line.
Smell
for the distinctive “rotten egg” odor of natural gas.
Leave
the area immediately, warning others in the area as you leave. Keep everyone away from the area until emergency assistance arrives.
Avoid
touching anything that may cause a spark. This includes lighters, matches, cigarettes, flashlights, light switches and telephones.
Wait until you are a safe distance away before using your cell phone. Once you are out of the area of the suspected leak and in a safe place, Call 911, then: Call Virginia Natural Gas at 877.572.3342. Stay away until emergency personnel indicate it is safe to return.
Note: “Odorant fade,” while uncommon, occurs when a physical or chemical process reduces the level of odorant. This can happen in both existing natural gas pipelines and new installations. Additionally, some individuals may not be able to detect the odorant because they have a diminished sense of smell or because the scent is being masked by other odors in the area. The odorant might also diminish so that it is not detectable. Some gas lines, due to their unique function, may not have odor at all.
Natural Gas Detectors
Natural gas detectors may be installed by homeowners for an additional safeguard to detect leaks.
Here is What to Know
- The natural gas detector measures the concentration of methane in the air and sounds an alarm to alert you before dangerous levels are reached.
- The methane detector works by pulling in air from the surroundings and, if it detects a dangerous level of natural gas in your home its light will flash and/or it will emit a loud noise.
- Refer to your user’s manual for the detector for specific natural gas alarm characteristics.
- Test the device regularly. Please refer to your user’s manual for testing intervals and the procedures that explain the light and sound patterns to ensure the detector and alarm functions are working properly.
- If the natural gas detector alarm sounds, respond immediately!
- Assume there’s a natural gas leak. Leave the area quickly, taking everyone with you.
- Follow the guidelines for when you smell gas - DO NOT use the telephone or any electrical appliances including light switches, garage door openers, doorbells, radios, TVs or cell phones. A spark from any of these sources could ignite the gas, causing a fire or explosion.
- DO NOT disconnect the gas detector battery to silence the alarm. A spark could cause an explosion.
- DO NOT assume someone else will report the leak.
- DO NOT go back inside your home or building until company or emergency personnel say it is safe to return.
Severe Weather Safety
Find out what to do to prevent interruption of service in case of severe weather.
Stay Safe
Equipment Safety
Keep your natural gas appliances and/or equipment in good working condition by following these safety tips.
See TipsSafety FAQS
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