GAS LEAK

HOW TO RECOGNIZE A GAS LEAK

• Smell—A distinctive, strong odor similar to rotten eggs
• See—A white cloud, mist, fog, bubbles in standing water, blowing dust, or vegetation that appears to be dead or dying for no reason
• Hear—Roaring, hissing, or whistling

WHY NATURAL GAS SMELLS

LIKE ROTTEN EGGS

• Natural gas doesn’t actually smell like anything. That’s why we add a chemical called methyl mercaptan (methanethiol) to natural gas so you’ll be able to smell it in case of a leak. Mercaptan has a very distinct and unpleasant odor that many people compare to the smell of rotten eggs.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK

THERE IS A GAS LEAK

• If the odor is strong, leave immediately and take others with you
• If you are outside, leave the area immediately
• Don’t light a match or smoke, turn appliances or lights on or off (including flashlights), use a telephone, or start a car. Doing so can produce sparks that might cause the gas to explode
• Find a phone away from the area and call 911 or 1-800-75-CONED (1-800-752-6633). You can report leaks anonymously
• Don’t assume someone else will report it
• National Grid customers should call 1-718-643-4050
• Follow directions from emergency responders who are on site, wait for information and instructions from local authorities