How to recognize a gas leak: You may already know that natural gas has no smell. The Gas Department adds a substance to it called Captan that smells something like rotten eggs, so that our customers will notice a gas leak. But don’t depend on your sense of smell alone to detect a gas leak. You might have a gas leak if you notice:

                                                                                          

• The smell of gas

• Long-lasting bubbling in standing water near the pipeline area

• Dead grass or other dried-up vegetation in the pipeline area

• Earth moving or dirt blowing in the air near the pipeline area

• A damaged connection to a gas pipeline

• An exposed gas pipeline after an earthquake or natural disaster

• A roaring or hissing sound inside the house or garage (or outside it)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What to do if you smell gas: If you do smell gas — and especially if you smell gas and hear a hissing sound -— get out immediately (leave the doors open so the gas can dissipate). Make sure everyone in the house or building evacuates.

In addition:

 

• Put your cigarette out right away if you’re smoking.

• Never use candles or matches to look for a gas leak.

• Do not light a match, candle, stove, or lighter or turn a light switch, electrical appliance, doorbell or garage opener on or off — they could all cause a spark which is a potential ignition source.

• Do not use your phone (even a cell phone) on the premises — a phone could also create an ignition source.

• Call the utility emergency line only when you are a safe distance away.

• Don’t go back into the building or area until a utility investigator has declared it is safe.

 

 

 

Who do I call if I smell gas? Call the City of Americus Natural Gas Department

 

Monday-Friday 7:00am-4:00pm                              (229) 924-7224

Emergency After Hours/Weekends/Holidays          (229) 937-9011