CINCINNATI — It’s National Fire Prevention week through Saturday, Oct. 14.

What You Need To Know

  • Duke Energy is reminding its customers how to recognize a natural gas leak

  • The best thing customers can do to spot a natural gas leak is to train their nose

  • Customers can also train their eyes to look out for bubbling water, blowing dirt, discolored grass, sinkholes or an exposed pipe

  • Another tip is to listen for a hissing sound near a gas line or meter

In accordance, Duke Energy is reminding its customers how to recognize a natural gas leak. Some of the tips could save lives.

National Fire Prevention week is all about educating the public on how to keep their families safe from potentially deadly fires. While rare, natural gas leaks can cause fires.

Duke Energy Communications Manager Sally Thelan said the best thing customers can do to spot a natural gas leak is to train their nose.

“If you smell gas, get out fast,” Thelan said. “If you smell something that’s typically going to be a pungent odor, it smells a little bit like a rotten egg or sulfur, that’s typically going to be a potential gas leak. You want to call 9-1-1, get to a safe area. We’ll come out, take a look, do some leak surveys on your property.”

That’s what workers do in training scenarios at the company’s operations center in Cincinnati.

A tool they use can detect the slightest hint of mercaptan, the chemical utilities intentionally put in natural gas, which gives off the sulfur smell.

Thelan said the company has made great strides in replacing old mains, but even with brand new systems, leaks can happen.

“We don’t want people to ever be embarrassed or afraid to call 9-1-1, and have us come out,” she said.

Customers can also train their eyes to look out for bubbling water, blowing dirt, discolored grass, sinkholes, or an exposed pipe. And listen for a hissing sound near a gas line or meter.

They can also install a natural gas detector. The detector will sound an alarm if natural gas levels are high.

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