Gas Safety Newsletter - December 2019
Meter inspections are required.
New York state law requires us to inspect natural gas meters and associated piping. The no-cost inspections make sure all natural gas services are working properly and safely.
When you receive notification, please respond right away to schedule a convenient appointment time.
Our employees and contractors carry photo identification cards. Without the proper ID, don’t let them in.
If you have concerns, call 911.
Recognize the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Carbon monoxide poisoning is more common in cold weather. Causes could include a malfunctioning heating unit, fuel-burning appliance or a blocked chimney.
Protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning by:
- Having heating appliances checked yearly by a professional.
- Installing UL listed CO detectors in the home.
- Never use gas range for heating.
- Never use generators inside the home or other indoor area.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea and dizziness
Signs an appliance may be producing carbon monoxide:
- Condensation on walls and windows
- Sluggish house pets
- Dying plants
- Residents feeling tired or suffering from flu-like symptoms
If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning: GO outside immediately and CALL 1-800-490-0045 or 911. Alarms give added protection. It's important.
Smell Gas. Act Fast.
Use your senses to detect gas leaks. Gas leaks are often recognized by:
- SMELL: Natural gas is odorless. A strong odor similar to rotten eggs is added so you can detect it fast.*
- SIGHT: Outdoors you may see a white cloud, mist, fog, and bubbles in standing water. You may see blowing dust. Vegetation in the area may appear to be dying.
- SOUND: You may hear an unusual noise like roaring, hissing or whistling.
MOVE your family and pets to a safe area outside, and call 1-800-490-0045 or 911. Never assume someone else will call.
*Odor Fade: Sometimes physical and/or chemical processes can cause a loss of odorant in natural gas, making it undetectable by smell. Odor fade can be caused by adsorption, absorption, oxidation or any combination thereof. Because of the possibility of odor fade, it’s important to not rely only on your sense of smell to be alerted to a natural gas leak.
Work zone safety –Respect the cones.
Keeping our workers safe.
Keep your family safe with alarms.
A smoke alarm senses smoke indicating a fire.
A carbon monoxide (CO) detector sounds an alarm when carbon monoxide is present in the air.
A residential methane detector (RMD) signals methane in the air indicating a gas leak.
Visit Safety for more info.
Excess flow valve available.
Customers may request installation of an excess flow valve (EFV), a safety device that slows the flow of natural gas in the event of a service line break*.
An EFV is not required for normal operation of your gas line. In fact, you may already have an EFV installed.
*Certain conditions must exist for this installation. There is a charge for this service.
Visit Our Pipeline Safety Effort for more information.