It’s a simple message many people have heard before, “Smell Gas, Leave Fast.” But safety officials say those four words can make a life-saving difference, especially during the heating season. If you smell natural gas, often described as a rotten egg odor, that’s your warning sign. Other signs of a possible gas leak can include hissing sounds, bubbling water, blowing dirt, or dead vegetation.
If you suspect a leak, leave the area immediately. Take everyone with you, including pets. Don’t flip light switches, don’t use electronics, and don’t open windows or doors. Once you’re safely away, call Ameren Illinois at 800-755-5000 or dial 911. Ameren says emergency responses are handled at no cost to customers.
Ameren Illinois Public Awareness Supervisor Jake Dukett says the message is simple for a reason.
“Smell Gas, Leave Fast, it’s for our customers’ safety, and it’s our priority,” Dukett said.
Officials say knowing what to do helps people act quickly, reduces emergency response time, and improves safety for the entire community.
Ameren Illinois provides electric service to more than 1.2 million customers and natural gas service to over 800-thousand customers across central and southern Illinois.
