Gas Safety Tips

If something smells like rotten eggs, you may have a gas leak. We add the chemical ethyl mercaptan to natural gas which gives it that strange odor. If you smell this odor, leave the area immediately and call our main office 1(205)655-3211 or the fire department immediately to report the leak.

WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF A LEAK

Natural Gas fuels more than 25 percent of America's energy. Natural Gas is the cleanest burning fuel, and it's a reliable, efficient energy source; however, if improperly handled, natural gas can be fatal.

Potential hazards of natural gas include fire, explosion, carbon monoxide poisoning, or suffocation. Preventing these potential accidents is quite easy. To prevent fires, simply make sure no combustibles are near furnaces, heaters, gas ranges and dryers. Also, keep your gas ranges clean. To prevent suffocation and carbon monoxide poisoning, make sure your pilots are lit when they are turned on, never use a gas range as a space heater, and make sure your gas heaters are properly ventilated.

Explosions can be avoided by properly ventilating if there is only a small amount of gas is leaking. If a large leak occurs, leave the house and call the Utilities Board at 1 (205) 655-3211 to inform them of the leak. Do not try to locate the leak yourself and do not use any electrical devices, due to the fact that an electrical arc could cause an explosion. If you smell gas leaking, open windows, and check your gas ranges. If the smell continues, call Trussville Utilities immediately!

In the event that an accident occurs, take steps to help. Take victims of carbon monoxide poisoning into fresh air, and perform mouth to mouth recitation if the victim is unconscious. Treat burns with cold water and clean bandages. Call for medical assistance if needed.

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