Responding to Natural Gas Emergencies
Natural gas is an increasingly common form of energy used in both homes and businesses. Much of that natural gas is transported by a network of underground pipelines. While pipelines are the safest and most reliable way to transport natural gas, accidents can, and sometimes do, occur.
- Be Aware of Natural Gas Hazards
- Make The Right Call
- Recognize Unsafe Areas
- Take Control
- Locate Buried Pipelines
For additional safety information or to inquire about safety training opportunities, please call Wisconsin Public Service at 800-450-7260 and ask to speak to your local customer service manager.
Be Aware of Natural Gas Hazards
- Natural gas alone will not burn, but may become flammable when mixed with a precise amount of air and an ignition source, such as a match, doorbell or telephone.
- Natural gas is not toxic. However, suffocation can occur when there are large concentrations of natural gas in enclosed spaces.
- When burned incorrectly, natural gas can produce carbon monoxide (CO) – a very dangerous substance.
Make The Right Call
Call WPS or the local gas company anytime you smell a gas odor or if you have reason to believe a pipeline has been damaged.
- Natural Gas Emergencies: 800-450-7280
Recognize Unsafe Areas
Signs of a natural gas leak include:
- Unexplained areas of dead vegetation where the surrounding area is green.
- Distinct natural gas odor similar to rotten eggs.
- Blowing sound or bubbling in a wet or flooded area.
- A meter dial that continues to move after all natural gas appliances and equipment have been shut off.
Use a proper detection instrument to determine if natural gas is present:
- Turn the instrument on in clean air. Sample near the ceiling as you enter. If the instrument registers the presence of natural gas, evacuate the area immediately.
- If there are no detection devices available, use your nose. If you smell natural gas, assume that the situation is dangerous and evacuate the area.
Take Control
If a natural gas leak is suspected or known:
- Call WPS or the local gas company immediately.
- Keep people and vehicles away from the area.
- Eliminate or control all ignition sources.
- If safe to do so, turn off the gas at the source.
- Ventilate the suspect building by leaving doors and windows open as you exit.
- Follow instructions provided by gas company employees.
Locate Buried Pipelines
- Pipeline Markers - Remember, if you are responding to a 911 call that may involve energy facilities, approach the scene with caution. Look for clues that a pipeline is involved and find a marker sign identifying the pipeline operator and emergency number to call.
- Pipeline Mapping Systems - To determine where pipelines are located in your community, visit the National Pipeline Mapping System (NPMS) and search by your county or ZIP Code.