Natural Gas Safety
Your safety is our top priority. Know the signs and what to do.
If You Smell Natural Gas
Natural gas has an odorant added called mercaptan that gives it a distinctive "rotten egg" smell. If you detect this odor:
- 1.Do NOT turn on or off any electrical switches, lights, or appliances.
- 2.Do NOT use your phone, doorbell, or garage door opener inside the building.
- 3.Do NOT light matches, candles, or any open flame.
- 4.Leave the area immediately and take everyone with you.
- 5.Once safely away from the building, call 911 and then Atlanta Gas Light.
Carbon Monoxide Safety
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can be produced when natural gas or other fuels burn incompletely. It is dangerous because you cannot see, smell, or taste it. Exposure to high levels can be fatal.
Signs of Carbon Monoxide
- •Headache, dizziness, nausea, or confusion
- •Symptoms improve when you leave the building and worsen when you return
- •Multiple people in the household experiencing similar symptoms
- •Yellow or orange burner flames instead of blue
- •Soot or brown/yellow staining around appliances
Protecting Your Family
- •Install CO detectors on every level of your home and near sleeping areas
- •Test CO detectors monthly and replace batteries at least once a year
- •Never use a gas range or oven to heat your home
- •Never run a generator, grill, or other fuel-burning device inside or in an attached garage
- •If your CO alarm sounds, leave immediately and call 911 from outside
Appliance Maintenance Tips
Furnace & Heating
- Have your furnace inspected annually by a licensed technician
- Replace air filters every 1-3 months during heating season
- Keep vents and registers clear of furniture and debris
- Check that the pilot light burns blue, not yellow or orange
Water Heater
- Set the thermostat to 120 degrees F to prevent scalding and save energy
- Have it inspected annually by a qualified technician
- Keep the area around the water heater clear of clutter
- Drain the tank annually to remove sediment buildup
Gas Range & Oven
- Keep burner grates and drip pans clean
- Make sure burner flames are blue and steady
- Never use your oven or range to heat your home
- Keep flammable materials away from the stove
Gas Fireplace
- Have the fireplace and chimney inspected annually
- Keep the glass doors clean and check for cracks
- Ensure the damper or venting system is functioning properly
- Keep children and pets a safe distance from the fireplace
Questions About Safety?
Our customer care team is happy to answer any questions about natural gas safety.
770-502-0226