Natural gas is great for heating, cooking and other uses in
the home. It has an excellent safety record due to the physical characteristics
of the gas itself. Possessing a very narrow range of flammability, natural gas
only allows for combustion in a concentration of 4 to 15 percent per volume
of air. Above and below these amounts, it will not burn.
Natural gas is lighter than
air, and thus, can dissipate into the air rapidly, making accidental combustion
difficult. To further prevent accidents, natural gas has a very high ignition
temperature, at about 1100 degrees Fahrenheit. This is almost twice the
ignition temperature for gasoline.
All together, these factors add up to making accidental
ignition or combustion of natural gas an unlikely event.
Nonetheless, helping you learn how to use clean burning natural
gas safely throughout your home is one of our top priorities.
If you smell gas...
Do not attempt to locate gas leaks.
Do not remain in the building when there is a
strong gas odor. From a safe distance, be ready
to let our representative into your home or
business so he or she can investigate.
Do not turn on or off any battery-powered,
rechargeable or electrical device, including
phones, garage door opener, radios, TVs,
computers or any device that could create a
spark.
Do not turn on or turn off any lights or electrical
switches, or unplug appliances.
Do not use telephones of any type, including cordless,
cell or landline.
Do not use elevators.
Do not position or operate vehicles and power
equipment where leaking gas may be present.
Do not smoke or use lighters, matches or other open flames.
Keep Gas Appliances Operating Safely
Keep forced-air furnace filters clean. Clean the filter
or replace them according to the manufacturer's recommendation.
Avoid using or storing these products near the furnace:
paint stripper, fabric or water softener, bleach, adhesives, or salt for melting
ice. The chlorine or fluorine in these items can lead to furnace corrosion.
If your owner's manual recommends it, oil the furnace fan,
motor and bearings.
Keep your heat registers and cold-air returns clean so
the air can flow properly. Also, arrange your furniture and drapes so they
don't block the air flow.
Have a qualified heating contractor inspect your furnace
or boiler annually. A properly tuned furnace saves energy and helps avoid
costly repairs.
Check the flue to make sure it is clean and open. Any fuel
that does not burn completely can create harmful levels of carbon monoxide
(CO). CO is a gas with no color, odor or taste. It can collect in your home
if a fuel-burning appliance isn't working properly or venting as it should.
