Smell gas? Take action.
Natural gas customers are the first line of defense when it comes to detecting a leak. Utilities odorize natural gas with Mercaptan — which has a pungent smell, like rotten eggs — so that it’s easy to smell if there is a gas leak. If you detect a gas leak, take action immediately.
- Leave the home/building immediately and take others and pets with you.
- If you are outside when you smell the gas, leave the area immediately.
- Avoid causing a spark, which might cause the gas to ignite:
- Do not light a match or smoke.
- Do not turn appliances or lights on or off.
- Do not use a flashlight.
- Do not start a car.
- Do not use a phone
- Find a phone away from the area and call 911 or your natural gas utility. You can report leaks anonymously. Always call to report the problem. Do not assume someone else will do it.
- Follow directions from utility employees or emergency responders who are on site.
Dig safe: Know what’s below
Before starting any outdoor project — like planting trees, building a deck, putting in a fence — it’s crucial to locate underground utilities, including gas lines. Accidental digging/excavation damage is the leading cause of natural gas infrastructure issues.
Here’s how to dig safely:
- Visit ClickBeforeYouDig.com to request a locate or contact your local one-call centre.
- Avoid digging within one meter on either side of the locate markings. Underground infrastructure could be as shallow as a few inches from the surface.
- If you hit a line or smell gas: Leave the area immediately and call 911 or your local gas utility.
- Leave the excavation open until it has been inspected by a certified representative.
Carbon monoxide safety
What is carbon monoxide?
- Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless and tasteless toxic gas. In an enclosed space, such as a home or garage, even a small amount can cause serious illness or death. Carbon monoxide is produced through the incomplete combustion of propane, gasoline, natural gas, wood or heating oils.
- Although odorless, it can be detected by carbon monoxide alarms, which should be installed on every level of your house. Provincial safety guidelines on carbon monoxide alarm regulations should be consulted (e.g. in Ontario or cosafety.ca)
What are the sources of carbon monoxide?
- Blocked vents or chimney*
- Fireplace
- Portable fuel heater
- Stove
- Improperly installed cook top vent*
- Stored BBQ
- Car
- Furnace
- Water heater
- Dryer
*These are not sources of carbon monoxide but are critical to CO safety.
In case of a gas leak:
- Ensure that all people and pets leave the home/area immediately.
- Call 911 or your local fire department.
- If anyone in the house feels ill, get immediate medical attention. Symptoms may include flu like symptoms without the fever, impaired motor functions, chest pain, tiredness or dizziness, and nausea.
Safety checklist
- Review our carbon monoxide safety check list for important information on what to do to stay safe from and prevent carbon monoxide exposure.
- Click here to view the CGA CO safety checklist
Cooking
Ventilation
- Did you know that an part of cooking safely is making sure your stovetop is ventilated by your hood vent? According to Health Canada, all cooking, no matter what type of stove you have (natural gas, propane, or electric) creates airborne emissions from the cooking process. The easiest and most effective way to mitigate any emissions related to cooking is to use a hood vent.
Tips:
- Use the back burner and the highest setting on your hood vent for maximum effectiveness.
- If your hood vent does not vent to the outside, it is also useful to open a nearby window to allow for proper ventilation
- View CGA’s cooking safety info sheet here
Yellow flame
- A yellow flame on your gas stove can be a sign of carbon monoxide since it suggests incomplete combustion may be taking place. If you see a yellow flame, turn off your appliance and contact a Registered Fuels Contractor.
- For more information about carbon monoxide, see our CO safety checklist
Prevention and safeguards
While the industry has multiple safeguards in place to protect its customers, it is important that customers actively participate by following these methods:
Maintain gas appliances and fuel lines.
If you small gas leave the area/home immediately. Report the smell of natural gas immediately.
Obtain locates before any digging projects such a landscaping, installing a fence or home extensions.
Be attentive to safety communications provided by utilities.
Check the flame on all natural gas appliances regularly (it should be blue – a yellow burner flame can be a sign of carbon monoxide).
A blocked or restricted vent/chimney will reduce flue performance, increasing the chances of CO or other fumes spilling into the home. Be sure to clean your vents/chimneys regularly.
Despite having properly maintained exhaust systems, it is still possible that CO could get into your vehicle. Also, if you are idling in cold weather with poor ventilation the heating system can draw CO into the vehicle.
Remember to check and replace your furnace filter at least every three months. To be sure that your furnace exhaust system is working properly, it should also be inspected routinely by a licensed professional.