Natural Gas Safety

For more information about gas safety, visit our natural gas safety page.

What is natural gas and its hazards?

Natural gas is an economical, safe, colorless and odorless fuel. For easy detection, we add a chemical to give gas a distinctive odor like skunk, rotten eggs or sulfur. Natural gas is not poisonous, however it can displace oxygen in a room. Since it is lighter than air, natural gas dissipates quicker than propane or gasoline. While natural gas has a better safety record than any other major form of energy, its use requires caution.

Potential hazards include fire, explosion or suffocation, however natural gas alone will not burn or explode. It needs the right amount of air and an ignition source. More than half of the reported natural gas accidents are caused by people digging before utility lines are marked. Contact Nebraska 811 by calling 811 or making an online request at nebraska811.com at least two business days before digging.

What to do if you suspect a leak

• Move to a safe environment away from the building. Do not use your land line phone or cell phone in your home.
• Do not use any light switches, matches, candles, lighters, flashlights, motors or appliances. Doing so could produce a spark, ignite the gas and cause an explosion.
• Call 402.554.7777 or 911 and provide your location.
• Let us know if construction or digging activities are going on in the area.

DO NOT ASSUME SOMEONE ELSE WILL REPORT THE CONDITION.

Safety precautions

• Have natural gas appliances, heating system, chimney and venting systems inspected every year by a qualified heating contractor.
• Gas appliances and furnaces need fresh air for proper combustion. Combustion products need to be vented to the outdoors. Keep flues, ducts and vents attached to appliances and heating systems in good condition and clear of obstructions.
• Use a clean filter. Standard furnace filters need to be cleaned or changed more often in winter. Check the owner’s manual for frequency.
• Do not use gas ovens to heat a room or for any purpose other than cooking.
• Teach children about safety around all household appliances.

Call 811 before you dig

IT’S FREE. IT’S EASY. IT’S THE LAW.

Why natural gas smells like rotten eggs

Natural gas has no odor and is invisible. We add a harmless chemical so you can detect a gas leak. The smell is compared to rotten eggs or sulfur.

Decreased sense of smell

If you have a decreased sense of smell, you may want to buy a natural gas sensor. Most models are available for less than $60. They are easy to install and they monitor carbon monoxide, methane (natural gas) and propane. The unit should have the UL (Underwriters Laboratory) seal of approval.

Natural gas is safe when used properly

Natural gas has an excellent safety record, but like all forms of energy, it must be handled with caution. Natural gas alone will not burn or explode; it requires the right amount of air and an ignition source. If inappropriately handled, it may cause a hazardous condition such as a fire, explosion or asphyxiation.

Maintain appliances to avoid carbon monoxide

When burning fossil fuels (wood, propane, oil, natural gas), carbon monoxide (CO) can be produced by lack of air, improperly working appliances or poor flue conditions. If someone is overcome by CO, call 911.

To prevent carbon monoxide

• Be sure flue connections and venting are in perfect working order—unobstructed and properly fitted.
• Have your heating system inspected every year by a qualified heating contractor.

What to do during an emergency

In the event of an emergency, unless there is substantial damage to your home, don’t turn off the gas. Simply turn off all gas appliances — stove, oven, gas fireplace, etc. — as you would if leaving your home.

If there is a situation where gas needs to be shut off, we will take care of it, and keep customers informed. If you do turn off the gas at the meter, don’t turn it back on. Call Customer Service at 402.554.6666.

New furnaces need an M.U.D. inspection

If a furnace is improperly installed, or is not operating properly, it can result in hazardous conditions.

During inspections, M.U.D. technicians check if the furnace is installed per manufacturer’s guidelines. In addition, they check if the equipment has:

• Proper venting;
• Proper amount of gas at maximum heat output;
• Proper electrical connection/disconnection;
• Adequate combustion air and
• Adequate space around it for maintenance.

If you recently installed a new furnace and have not had an inspection, please call 402.504.7949 or 402.554.6666.