As fall is in full swing and we get to colder temperatures, Ameren encourages residents and businesses to check their furnaces before turning on their natural gas furnaces for the first time this season. Natural gas in its pure form is odorless and colorless.  An odorant called mercaptan is added to the natural gas giving it a rotten egg smell to make it easier to detect. 

Ameren makes reporting to natural gas leaks a high priority.  Natural gas leak calls are responded to in an average of 22 minutes, and within 60 minutes in all situations. Eric Kozak, VP of Gas Operations and Technical Services says that natural gas is safe and reliable for energy but does pose a danger if people do not report a leak. Customers should never smell natural gas in or around their homes or businesses.  If you do, you are encouraged to leave the premises and call 1-800-755-5000.  Crews will respond immediately no matter what time of day, seven days a week, and there is no charge to the customer. 

A qualified professional should inspect their natural gas appliances, piping, fittings and connections on an annual basis.  Some safety concerns include corrugated stainless steel tubing, flared gas fittings, flexible gas connectors, and unplugged gas lines. 

If you smell gas, act fast, and follow the following safety tips.

    • Evacuate the location immediately. 
    • Do not operate light switches, thermostats, garage door openers, appliances, fans, or anything that could generate a spark. 
    • Do not unplug phone chargers or any other electrical equipment that could cause a spark. 
    • Do not light cigarettes, matches, candles or use anything with an open flame.
    • Do not open windows or doors to ventilate. 
    • If you are calling from a landline phone, put the phone down after this call but do not hang up. 
    • If you are calling from a cell phone, carry it outside with you and then hang up.
    • Do not re-enter the property for any reason until Ameren personnel tell you it is safe to enter. 
    • After vacating the premises, watch for Ameren from a safe distance up or down the street. Do not wait close to the home or building in question.

For more information, visit www.amerenillinois.com.