Act fast! Learn how to detect natural gas leaks at home or at work

Ameren Missouri urges immediate response to rotten egg odor

Cool fall temperatures are moving in, which means people are spending more time indoors. Whether you are cooking, baking or heating your home, you’re likely using natural gas as your heat source.

Natural gas is a safe, clean-burning and efficient fuel; besides heating homes and food preparation, it’s also used for manufacturing processes and even to generate electricity. However, an unexpected release or leak of natural gas can be dangerous, as it is highly flammable and easily ignited by heat or sparks.

“Due to its colorless and odorless nature, it is especially important to be able to quickly recognize the signs of a natural gas leak,” said Pam Harrison, senior director of gas operations for Ameren Missouri. “Your senses are the best way to identify natural gas leaks occurring around you. Use your sense of smell to identify a natural gas leak by looking out for a rotten egg scent. This scent is added to the natural gas to keep you safe.”

If you suspect a natural gas leak, Ameren Missouri urges you to take immediate action:

  • Leave your home or business, head upwind, and take all people and pets with you.

  • Do not use light switches or operate thermostats, garage door openers, appliances or any other electronic device that could cause a spark. Do not open windows or doors to ventilate the property.

  • At a safe distance, call 911 for local emergency personnel and Ameren Missouri at 1.800.552.7583.

  • Do not re-enter the property for any reason until Ameren Missouri personnel tell you that it is safe to enter.

In Missouri, 50% of homes use natural gas as their primary source of heating. It is the homeowner's responsibility to continuously maintain and operate natural gas piping and equipment safely. Ameren Missouri encourages you to use these tips to keep your home safe:

  • Do Not Alter Safety Features: Appliance controls have built-in safety features; do not modify them. All repairs should be done by a qualified professional.

  • Clean/Check Appliances: Keep your natural gas-burning appliances clean and ensure the area around your furnace and water heater is clear of combustibles such as flammable liquids, newspapers, cardboard boxes, rags and lumber. It’s also important to have your appliances checked annually by a qualified professional.

  • Proper Venting: Ensure natural gas-burning equipment such as furnaces, water heaters or clothes dryers are properly vented. Clogged or rusted flue pipes can cause carbon monoxide – a deadly poisonous gas – to build up inside your home. A carbon monoxide detector, available at any hardware store, can alert you to this condition.

For more natural gas safety tips, please visit Ameren.com/NaturalGasSafety.

Published on by Gregory Hauenstein.