Natural gas is safe when used wisely - Natural gas is a safe way to heat your home and cook your meals. Like many other products in your home or business, natural gas can present hazards if misused.  Gas itself is not dangerous.

Safety Tips When Using Natural Gas

	When operating gas appliances, follow all manufacturer instructions and have qualified people make repairs
	Keep all combustible materials away from your gas appliances
	Keep burners and surrounding surfaces clean
	Make sure the flues of any automatically controlled appliances are kept clean and correctly vented.
	Don't use gas fuel lines as clotheslines
	Teach children to never turn on or light appliances
	For safety all appliances that have been approved have automatic shut off valves. But, sometimes even the best safety features are not enough to protect a curious child
	Tampering with gas meters or piping is very dangerous and illegal. If you suspect tampering, please call Consumers Energy toll-free number at 1-800-477-5050

Why is Natural Gas So Safe? 

Because . . 

	Gas is lighter than air so it rises. That's why you should open all doors and windows if you smell gas. Then call Consumers Energy at 1-800-477-5050 from a different location
	Gas is actually odorless. It is intentionally given a distinct smell so you will detect even traces of natural gas immediately
	By itself, natural gas will not burn or explode. It must be mixed with the right amount of air (4-14 percent gas) to be ignited
	Like any fuel, natural gas can be dangerous if improperly handled. That's why tampering with gas meters and piping is so dangerous

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

It is colorless, odorless, and it claims over 1,500 victims each year. You can help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by following these simple tips:

	Have a qualified professional thoroughly inspect and clean your heating and cooling equipment at least once a year
	Never run a vehicle in an enclosed garage even with the door open
	Check vents, flue pipes and chimneys periodically for corrosion or blockages
	If you have insulated or remodeled your home, make sure appliances and heating equipment still have adequate ventilation
	When you use your fireplace, make sure the damper is open and ventilation is adequate

Propane Gas

Propane gas is heavier than air, has a distinct odor and will accumulate near the floor of any room. When the concentration of the gas is high enough, any spark will cause an explosion.

If you suspect a leak, you should:

	Immediately evacuate the building
	Turn off gas supply at tank, if possible
	Call 9-1-1 from a neighbor's house
	Contact your gas dealer

Signs of a possible leak:

	Blowing or hissing sounds
	Brown patches on or near a right-of-way
	Bubbling water on a pond, creek or river
	Gas odor
	Dry spots in moist earth

MISS DIG System, Inc. is a statewide one-call construction safety and utility damage-prevention company that has received in excess of eleven million staking requests since the one-call center opened in 1970. One toll-free call is all it takes to have MISS DIG notify the more than 800 participating members to stake their underground utility lines and provide overhead electric line assistance to ensure adequate clearances are maintained. Homeowners or excavators can call MISS DIG at (800) 482-7171 24 hours a day, seven days a week.