In recognition of National Fire Prevention Week, which is Oct. 8 to 14, Duke Energy is reminding its customers how to recognize a natural gas leak.
National Fire Prevention Week is an annual observance to educate the public on steps individuals can take to keep themselves and those around them safe from home fires.
Train your nose: Smell rotten eggs?
Natural gas by itself has no smell. An odor called mercaptan is injected into natural
gas, giving it the distinctive smell of rotten eggs. That makes natural gas easy to
detect and can alert the public of a natural gas leak and help avoid a potentially
dangerous situation.
“Training your nose to identify the rotten eggs odor of mercaptan is the best way to
detect a natural gas leak,” said Amy Spiller, president of Duke Energy Ohio and Kentucky.
“Our technicians are trained to respond immediately to investigate potential leaks, so
knowing the warning signs is the best defense to keep our customers and communities
safe.”
Look and listen for leaks
In addition to having a distinct smell, natural gas leaks are often visual, causing
bubbling water, blowing dirt or dead vegetation. You may also see sinkholes or an exposed
pipe. It’s also possible you’ll hear a hissing sound near a natural gas line or meter.
Steps to take if you suspect a leak
If you think you might smell a natural gas odor, follow these steps:
- Leave the area immediately.
- Call Duke Energy at 1 (800) 634-4300 or call 911 from a neighbor’s house or other safe location away from the smell of natural gas.
An extra layer of natural gas safety
Installing a natural gas detector is an additional safety measure to keep residents aware
of potential leaks. A natural gas detector will sound an alarm if levels of natural gas in
the area indicate a leak.
If the alarm is triggered, stop what you are doing, get as far away from the smell as
possible, and call 911, or call Duke Energy Natural Gas at 1 (800) 634-4300. For additional information about natural gas safety, visit the Duke Energy natural gas safety website.