By PSC Chair Charlotte Lane
Safety is a top priority at the Public Service Commission, and that includes helping West Virginians protect their homes from dangerous natural gas leaks.
The Commission regulates in-state transmission of gas and hazardous liquids and gas distribution lines.
Our team of gas pipeline safety experts enforces federal and state pipeline safety regulations.
But you, too, can, and should, be aware of safety issues that involve these important sources of heating and cooling in your home.
Natural gas can be deadly if it escapes from pipes or appliances. Knowing the warning signs of a gas leak and how to respond can save your life.
Natural gas has a distinctive rotten-egg odor, which is added by your utility to make leaks easier to detect. If you smell this odor inside or near your home, take it seriously and act immediately.
But there are other things to look for that you might not be aware of.
There are also visual signs to watch for outdoors. Dead or discolored vegetation above buried gas lines, dust blowing from the ground, or bubbles forming in standing water may indicate a gas leak.
Inside your home, a hissing or whistling sound near a gas appliance, or even an unexplained increase in your gas bill, can also signal a problem.
If you suspect a gas leak, leave your home immediately. Do not use light switches, appliances, or electronics. Once you are safely outside, call 911 and your natural gas utility, and steer clear of the area until emergency responders say it is safe to return.
Installing carbon monoxide detectors in your home adds another important layer of protection. While carbon monoxide is odorless, these detectors can alert you to dangerous conditions before symptoms appear.
Prevention is just as important as quick action. One simple but critical step is to call 811 before you dig anywhere on your property.
This free service sends a utility locator to mark underground lines so you can avoid damaging gas, electric, or other utility infrastructure.
At the Public Service Commission, we are committed to ensuring your natural gas service is safe, reliable, and responsibly managed by your utility.
At home, you can help protect yourself and your family by staying alert, maintaining your appliances, and knowing what to do if something doesn’t seem right. A few moments of caution can make all the difference.