Ameren urges customers to use their senses to identify gas leaks during the holidays

MISSOURI(KBSI) – Ameren is urging customers to know how to identify and prevent a gas leak this holiday season.

As the cooler temperatures roll in people start spending more time indoors. Baking, cooking, heating their homes and many people use natural gas to do this.

Natural gas is a safe, clean-burning and efficient fuel; besides heating homes and food preparation, it’s also used for manufacturing processes and even to generate
electricity. However, an unexpected release or leak of natural gas can be dangerous, as it is highly flammable and easily ignited by heat or sparks. Ameren Missouri
officials want customers to use their senses to detect a leak.

“Due to its colorless and odorless nature, it is especially important to be able to quickly recognize the signs of a natural gas leak,” said Pam Harrison, senior director
of gas operations for Ameren Missouri. “Your senses are the best way to identify natural gas leaks occurring around you. Use your sense of smell to identify a natural gas leak by looking out for a rotten egg scent. This scent is added to the natural gas to keep you safe.”

If you suspect you have a gas leak here’s what you should do.

-Leave your home or business, head upwind, and take all people and pets with
you.
-Do not use light switches or operate thermostats, garage door openers,
appliances or any other electronic device that could cause a spark.

-Do not open windows or doors to ventilate the property.

-At a safe distance, call Ameren Missouri at 1.800.552.7583.
-Do not re-enter the property for any reason until Ameren Missouri personnel tell
you that it is safe to enter.

Ways you can prevent a gas leak from happening.

-Do Not Alter Safety Features: Appliance controls have built-in safety features;
do not modify them. All repairs should be done by a qualified professional.

-Clean/Check Appliances: Keep your natural gas-burning appliances clean and
ensure the area around your furnace and water heater is clear of combustibles
such as flammable liquids, newspapers, cardboard boxes, rags, and lumber. It’s
also important to have your appliances checked annually by a qualified
professional.
-Proper Venting: Ensure natural gas-burning equipment such as furnaces, water
heaters or clothes dryers are properly vented. Clogged or rusted flue pipes can
cause carbon monoxide – a deadly poisonous gas – to build up inside your
home. A carbon monoxide detector, available at any hardware store, can alert
you to this condition.

For more questions on gas leaks visit Natural Gas Safety | Ameren – Ameren.com