How to Detect a Natural Gas Leak and What to Do If There is One

HOW TO DETECT A NATURAL GAS LEAK

• Smell
  Transmission natural gas has a stale petroleum/hydrocarbon smell.  Before it is delivered to your home, natural gas has mercaptan added which gives the gas a sulphur or “rotten egg” smell to help detect leaks.

• Sight
  Natural gas is colourless, but vapour and “ground frosting” may be visible at high pressures.  A gas leak may also be indicated by bubbles in wet or flooded areas, distinct patches of dead vegetation, dust blowing from a hole in the ground or flames if the leak has ignited.

• Sound
  A hissing or roaring noise along the right-of-way of a pipeline could also indicate a natural gas leak.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT A LEAK INSIDE

• Evacuate your premises.

• Open all doors and windows if you can do so safely.

• Don’t use electrical switches, telephones, appliances, garage door opener, etc.

• Call Union Gas immediately from a neighbour’s home.

• Don’t use lighters or matches and do not smoke.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT A LEAK OUTSIDE

• Call Union Gas immediately.

• Keep clear of the area.

• Don’t start any motors or motor vehicles near the area of the gas odour.

• Don’t use lighters or matches and do not smoke.

If you smell natural gas, call 1-877-969-0999 from a neighbour's home immediately!

HOW UNION GAS WILL RESPOND

In the event of a natural gas emergency, the Union Gas emergency response team or local community authority will:

• Respond to the incident site  

• Identify the source of the problem and ensure the emergency site has been cleared of anyone whose safety may be at risk

• Make the situation safe

• Advise the customer of their options with respect to the piping system or appliance repair