Natural Gas

In its natural state, natural gas is odorless. However, as a safety precaution, MG&E adds a chemical to the gas, giving it a distinctive odor that is similar to rotten eggs.

If you smell a strong odor of natural gas in your home:

• Do not light matches.
• Do not turn lights or electrical appliances on or off.
• Notify everyone in the building to leave immediately.
• Call us at 508-947-1535 from another location. Do not use your telephone in an area where you smell gas.
• Do not return to your home until a MG&E representative tells you it is safe.

How to avoid problems with your gas service.
DO NOT

• ...hang anything on gas piping in your home, such as clothes. The weight could crack a fitting.
• ...hang or tie anything to a gas meter such as garden hoses, dogs, etc.
• ...bury the gas meter with landscaping mulch, loam, etc. This will cause the meter to corrode.
• ...bury the shut-off valve in the yard. This is usually a round yellow cover located near the street.
• ...put a dumpster or other obstruction in front of the meter.
• ...enclose the meter with partitions, especially if indoors. The gas meter must be changed every seven years.

Carbon Monoxide

How to protect your home from carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide gas is colorless, odorless, tasteless and potentially deadly. Burning any fuel in your home, including natural gas, may produce it. The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to influenza, and may include headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea and inability to think clearly.

To reduce your risk, make sure gas appliances are properly vented. Also, make sure your entire home is adequately ventilated, especially if you recently installed insulation, had major renovations done, or have enclosed your heating system to increase living space.

Natural gas should always burn blue and have a steady flame. Appliances should not have soot above the burner. If you notice yellow flames, wavering flames or soot with your gas appliance, or have any questions about carbon monoxide and natural gas, call us at 508-947-1535.

Electricity

How to stay safe outdoors

• There is just one rule about electric lines and electrical equipment that everyone should follow: STAY AWAY.
• Always assume a wire is live and dangerous. If you see a downed line, call us right away — never attempt to move it.
• Teach children what a "high voltage" sign looks like, and tell them to stay away. Tell them not to climb utility poles or trees that are growing into or near power lines.
• If a kite or other object gets caught in a power line or other utility equipment, children should never try to retrieve it themselves. That goes for adults as well. Call us for help.
• If your car contacts a power line, try your best to drive away from it. If you can’t, stay inside and wait for help. If you are forced to leave, first scan the ground for fallen wires, then jump clear. Never touch the car and the ground at the same time.

How to stay safe indoors

• Read and follow all manufacturers’ instructions for appliances and power tools. When you buy an appliance or extension cord, make sure it has been listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories.
• If your home doesn’t have ground fault circuit interrupters, or GFCIs, have them installed wherever water is used. A licensed electrician can do it for you, and can also check your entire home for electric safety.
• Make sure all electric cords are in good condition — not frayed or cracked. When in doubt, throw it out. Also, replace older cords that are non-polarized — polarized plugs have one blade wider than the other.
• Keep cords out of reach of children. As an extra precaution, make sure your cords have safety closures; older ones often do not. Cords without safety closures can expose young children to shock hazards and mouth burn injuries.
• Don’t overload your extension cord. Make sure that the total number of watts connected to the extension cord is no more than the cord rating listed on its packaging. Read the labels on your appliances for wattage information.
• Cords should never be nailed or stapled to the wall, baseboard, or to another object. Also, don’t cover them with carpets, furniture or appliances.
• If electrical equipment catches fire, unplug it or interrupt power at the main switch. Call the Fire Department and tell them it is an electrical fire. Never use water on an electrical fire.