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Back to Natural Gas Pipelines
Gas Safety
Recognizing a Pipeline Leak
Despite the industry’s best efforts and government oversight, leaks from pipelines do sometimes happen. The best ways for you to detect a spill in your neighborhood is to use your senses of sight, smell, and sound. You may have a leak if:
- You see dead or discolored vegetation that is otherwise green along a pipeline Right of Way, or see pools of liquid not otherwise usually present along the pipeline ROW, or see a cloud of vapor or mist not otherwise usually present along the pipeline ROW;
- You smell an unusual odor or scent along a pipeline ROW;
- You hear an unusual hissing or roaring sound along a pipeline ROW.
If You Smell Gas
Natural gas has no odor of its own
A special chemical called mercaptan is added to give natural gas its distinctive smell, sometimes compared to the odor of rotten eggs. Be alert for the smell of natural gas and follow these tips if you smell it:
- Exit the premises immediately, leaving the door open behind you as you go.
- Don't look for the source of the gas leak or try to correct the problem yourself.
- Use a cell phone outside or go to a neighbor's house and call 911 or your local emergency number. Then call Black Hills Power's emergency number at 605-721-2289.
- Don't strike matches, turn lights or appliances on or off, use the telephone or ring the doorbell. These things can create a spark. Leave doors and windows as they are.
- When natural gas is burning and vented properly, you will never smell it. However, if you do smell natural gas, don't ignore it. Call us. Your safety may depend on it.
- The Black Hills Power emergency number is 605-721-2289.
Carbon Monoxide Dangers
Avoid Carbon Monoxide Problems
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas produced by the incomplete burning of fuels such as natural gas, propane, heating oil, kerosene, coal, charcoal, gasoline or wood. CO is dangerous if released in your home and can cause serious illness or even death.
You can help prevent CO problems by making sure your gas appliances are vented correctly and in proper working order. Here are some more ways to avoid CO buildup in your home:
- Have your natural gas furnace and primary natural gas appliances checked annually by a qualified technician.
- Check vents and chimneys to make sure they're clear and undamaged. Watch for loose mortar or bricks on the chimney that can slip and block airways.
- Have wood-burning stoves and fireplaces installed and vented by a professional.
- Clear snow and ice away from outside vents to avoid CO buildup inside the home.
- Don't seal off all the fresh-air sources in your home if you weatherize. Your appliances need to "breathe" to operate properly.
- Never use your gas oven or range top to heat your home. This creates a serious fire hazard and could cause dangerous CO fumes.
- Don't operate gasoline-burning engines such as a car or lawnmower in unventilated areas.
Install a CO detector. It will alert you if there is a harmful level of CO in your home, so you can safely leave and call a qualified professional to determine the source of the CO buildup. However, a CO detector doesn't replace the need for an annual furnace inspection.
Detect Carbon Monoxide
Learn How To Detect Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to serious illness or even death. While you can't see, smell or taste carbon monoxide, you can detect conditions that may produce it. Watch for these warning signs:
- Soot buildup on or near a fireplace or furnace chimney
- A pilot light that keeps going out
- Discolored gas burners
- Excessive humidity such as heavily frosted windows
- Fireplaces that smoke or won't draw
- Physical symptoms such as: a headache, nausea, coughing, ringing in the ears, smarting eyes, a ruddy complexion, light-headedness and drowsiness
- If you suspect a CO problem, leave the premises and call Black Hills Power's emergency number at 605-721-2289 or a qualified professional to inspect your home immediately.
Your local fire department may conduct a carbon monoxide inspection. Some fire departments charge for this service.
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