Natural Gas Safety
Download Our Pipeline Safety Fact Sheet
Our pipelines in our service territory bring safe, reliable and environmentally friendly natural gas to customers throughout Cecil County.
In addition to maintaining the safe condition of our pipelines through regular inspections, we use state-of-the-art technology to ensure the integrity of our system. Our Gas Control Operations Center continuously monitors the flow of natural gas through our pipelines and any changes in operating conditions.
If You Smell Gas … Act Quickly
A rotten egg odor is added to natural gas so that you can smell a leak if it occurs. The gas itself is actually odorless, but a substance called “mercaptan” is added as a precaution.
If you smell a natural gas odor:
- Do not use any devices that might create a spark, such as light switches, phones, flashlights or electric appliances, including computers. A spark could ignite the gas.
- Immediately have everyone leave the house.
- Go to a nearby phone and call the Elkton Gas hotline to report the odor.
- Keep everyone away from the building until given the “all clear” from a gas company employee.
- Remember: Never try to find the leak yourself.
To report a gas leak, call 1-866-281-6774.
Other Gas Safety Tips
- Gas appliances should have proper air circulation at all times.
- A gas flame should burn bright blue. A yellow or orange flame could indicate improper combustion or venting.
- Keep flammable or combustible items away from gas appliances and equipment.
- Use gas equipment only for what it’s designed to do. For example, you should never use a stove or range for heating.
- Buy only gas equipment that has the American Gas Association Blue Star seal of approval, which shows that the appliance meets safety standards.
- Always keep one or more fire extinguishers in your home.