Safety Tips

The Tennessee Gas Association is not a natural gas distribution company. We do not sell natural gas to homeowners or companies. However, we want you to have access to necessary safety information as it may pertain to natural gas. We encourage you to contact your local natural gas company for further safety information or dial 911 if you have an emergency.

IF YOU SMELL OR DETECT NATURAL GAS OUTSIDE, CALL YOUR NATURAL GAS COMPANY OR CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY

Although companies add a distinctive odor to natural gas to aid in the detection of leaks, you should not rely on your sense of smell alone to determine if there is a gas leak. Some persons may not be able to smell the odor because they have a diminished sense of smell or because the odor is being masked by other odors in the area. In addition, certain conditions, such as odor fade (loss of odorant) may cause the odor to diminish so that it is not detectable.

IF YOU SMELL A FAINT ODOR OF NATURAL GAS INSIDE YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS:
  • Investigate immediately.
  • If the source of the odor cannot be located or corrected, call your local natural gas company immediately (24 hours a day).

IF A STRONG OR PERSISTENT ODOR OF GAS IS PRESENT IN YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS, OR IF YOU HEAR A HISSING SOUND OF ESCAPING NATURAL GAS, FOLLOW THIS PROCEDURE:

  •  Get everyone out of the building immediately.
  • Leave the door open.
  • Use a neighbor’s phone or cellular phone outside of the building to call you’re natural gas company.
  • DO NOT operate any electrical switches, appliance controls, or pull any plugs from outlets.
  • DO NOT use the telephone in the building.
  • Close the cut-off valve near the gas meter and DO NOT turn it on again.

IF YOU SMELL OR DETECT NATURAL GAS OUTSIDE, CALL YOUR NATURAL GAS COMPANY OR CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY

Carbon monoxide can result from the incomplete combustion of any fossil fuel. Natural gas appliances are designed and installed in a manner to eliminate this concern if operated properly. As with all energy, careful diligence must be exercised with natural gas. Appliances must be properly operated and maintained to ensure your safety. The information on carbon monoxide below is adapted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

What is Carbon Monoxide?
Carbon monoxide, or CO, is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death.

Where is Carbon Monoxide found?
CO is found in combustion fumes, such as those produced by cars and trucks, small gasoline engines, stoves, lanterns, burning charcoal and wood, and, yes, occasionally from natural gas ranges and heating systems. CO from these sources can build up in enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces. People and animals in these spaces can be poisoned by breathing it.

Symptoms of CO poisoning?
The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. High levels of CO inhalation can cause loss of consciousness and death. Unless suspected, CO poisoning can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms mimic other illnesses. People who are sleeping or intoxicated can die from CO poisoning before ever experiencing symptoms.

Why is Carbon Monoxide dangerous?
Red blood cells pick up CO quicker than they pick up oxygen. If there is a lot of CO in the air, the body may replace oxygen in blood with CO. This blocks oxygen from getting into the body, which can damage tissues and result in death.

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