PUBLIC INFORMATION:

Pensacola Fire Department and Pensacola Energy Remind Residents About Natural Gas Safety

The Pensacola Fire Department and Pensacola Energy would like to remind residents about natural gas safety and fire prevention practices to help keep you and your family safe. It is important for customers to understand how to safely respond during a natural gas leak.

Natural gas is odorless, colorless and tasteless, so gas utilities including Pensacola Energy add an odorant called mercaptan to make a gas leak easier to detect. The smell of mercaptan is commonly compared to rotten eggs. If you notice this smell, evacuate all people and pets from the building and retreat to a safe distance. Once you are far away from the building, call Pensacola Energy Emergency Services at 850-474-5300 to report the leak immediately, even on nights and weekends. Pensacola Energy will check suspected natural gas leaks at no cost to the customer.

Natural gas is flammable and will ignite under the right conditions. Anything that could create a spark or friction is considered an ignition source, including many everyday items. The following items/actions are potential ignition sources that could lead to a natural gas fire or explosion and should be avoided in the case of a leak. 

Do not:

• Start or drive a vehicle

• Use a phone, pager or radio

• Ring a doorbell

• Lock or unlock doors (unless necessary to evacuate)

• Turn light switches on or off

• Operate or unplug appliances

• Light a match or smoke

To help prevent natural gas leaks and ignitions: 

• Hire professionals for all gas appliance repairs installations and disconnections.

• Perform regular maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.

• Have at least one functioning carbon monoxide detector for each level of your home.

• Call 811 before you dig where a buried gas line and other utilities may be.

• Turn off all ignition sources including pilot lights before using pesticide foggers or other flammable, concentrated aerosol products.
  
  

For more information on natural gas safety, visit Pensacola Energy’s website. To report a gas leak, contact Pensacola Energy Emergency Services at 850-474-5300.

For more information or general questions, email pio@cityofpensacola.com. To stay informed about what's happening with City of Pensacola government, sign up for email or text notifications through Notify Me or follow @CityofPensacola on social media.