Why does natural gas smell so bad?

Natural gas, in its original state, is odorless and colorless. Gas companies add a chemical odorant, such as mercaptan, to the gas. This is what gives it the familiar rotten egg smell that you may recognize. Not to be confused with gasoline that has a sharper smell, the natural gas odorant is intended to be more nauseating. The distinctive odor makes the detection of leaks much easier.

How safe is natural gas?

Natural gas is not poisonous or toxic, but can be dangerous under certain conditions. A leak in a closed area, such as a home or office building, can result in an explosion if an open flame or spark is present. In an open area, a cut in a gas main with escaping gas can ignite causing a "flare" - a flame shooting upwards. Also, a person in a closed area with escaping gas will have great difficulty breathing and could suffocate. The difficulties would not be due to poisoning from the gas, but rather from a lack of oxygen. Natural gas displaces the oxygen in a closed area. (Click here to read further about carbon monoxide safety.)

What is CoServ Gas doing to protect its customers from gas leaks?

CoServ Gas' technicians, in keeping with our safety philosophy, survey, inspect and maintain the service and main lines to individual gas meters, in order to provide the safest possible environments for our customers.

What should I do if I smell gas?

If you smell gas in or around your home take the following steps IMMEDIATELY:

• Do not operate electrical switches, telephone or appliances as these could spark a fire.
• Extinguish all open flames in the area.
• Open the windows and doors to ventilate your apartment or home.
• If possible, turn off the gas supply to the individual appliance.
• Do not operate vehicles in the area.
• Leave the house, walk to a neighbor's home and call CoServ at our 24-Hour Emergency Number: 940-321-7800 or 1-800-274-4014.

When our operator answers be prepared to give the following information:

• The nature of the probable emergency.
• The location of the emergency.
• Your name and your location with phone number.

Remember that safety is our number one job at CoServ Gas.

What else can I do to keep my home safe while using natural gas?*

• Never leave paper, dishtowels or anything flammable near an open flame on your stove.
• Do not allow children to play near the furnace, water heater, stove or grill.
• Never put flammable items near a gas water heater or furnace. Always make sure the area around them is clean and clear of items such as rags, paint cans and flammable items like spray cans or gasoline containers. Fumes from any of these items could start a fire.
• Make sure to get regular maintenance on your gas appliances and change filters regularly on furnaces.
• Make regular inspections of your gas connections on your gas grill to make sure there are no loose parts for gas to leak out.
• Never leave propane or kerosene heaters unattended. Always make sure they are free of any obstruction and away from flammable materials such as curtains. Do not let pets or small children play near heaters.
• Never allow children to light a gas grill without adult supervision.
• Always make sure the propane is turned off before you leave your grill.

* courtesy of apogee.net