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Emergency Procedures
Please call us immediately if you think you may have a
natural gas leak or electric emergency.
- Gas Emergencies: 800-450-7280
- Electric Emergencies: 800-450-7240
Natural Gas Leaks
Natural Gas has a distinct, pungent odor so it is easy to detect. Leaking gas can
cause an explosion and fire.
If you smell a weak odor of natural gas:
- Open the windows.
- Check for an extinguished pilot light.
- If a pilot light is out, wait for the gas odor to go away before relighting.
If you can't find the source of the leak:
- Get everyone out at once.
- Do not use the telephone or a lighter.
- Do not turn any electrical switches or lights on or off.
- Go to a neighbor's and call the gas company.
If you smell a strong odor of natural gas:
- Open the windows
- Get everyone out at once.
- Do not use the telephone or a lighter.
- Do not turn any electrical switches or lights on or off.
- Go to a neighbor's and call Public Service immediately at
800-450-7280.
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Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide is a dangerous gas produced when heating systems are not working correctly.
You can't smell, taste or see carbon monoxide. That makes it very dangerous. Carbon monoxide
can build up inside a building because of incomplete combustion and cause severe sickness and
even death.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning:
- Sudden flu-like illness
- Dizziness, headaches, sleepiness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fluttering or throbbing heart beat
- Cherry-red lips, pallor
- Unconsciousness
If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning:
- Get the victim out and into fresh air immediately.
- Call 911 or emergency medical help at once.
- Get everyone else out.
- Open the windows.
To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:
- Be alert for the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors.
- Never operate internal combustion engines indoors.
- Never use a charcoal grill indoors.
- Have all fuel-burning appliances, flues, vents, and chimneys checked regularly.
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Electrical Shocks and Fires
Electricity can cause dangerous or fatal shocks. A shock occurs when electricity
goes through a person's body. Electricity can also cause fires when appliances, switches,
wiring and outlets are defective or improperly used.
If someone is being shocked with a household current:
- Don't touch the victim unless the power is off.
- Unplug the appliance, or turn the power off at the main control area.
- If you can't turn off the power, use a dry wooden broom handle or dry clothing to
separate the victim from the power source.
- Call 911 or get emergency medical assistance.
- If the victim is not breathing, perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
- If the victim is conscious, keep them calm. Lay them on their back. Elevate their feet.
Cover them with a blanket.
If someone is being shocked with a current from an outdoor high voltage line:
- Don't try to separate the victim from the power source.
- Don't touch the victim unless you are absolutely certain the victim is not in contact
with electrical wire.
- Call 911 or get emergency help and medical assistance.
If you have an electrical fire:
- Unplug the burning or smoking appliance.
- Get everyone out at once.
- If the fire is small, use a CO2 or dry powder fire extinguisher. Never put water on
an electrical fire.
- Call 911 or the fire department. Tell the dispatcher your name, address, and that you
have an electrical fire.
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