Natural gas is colorless and odorless. Mercaptan is an odorant that the City of Cordele adds to natural gas to give it the distinct “rotten egg” smell. If you detect a strong “rotten egg” odor, touch nothing—no electrical switches, no phones, including cell phones and no appliances. Do not use matches or lighters, garage door openers, doorbells or anything that may cause a spark. LEAVE the area immediately. Do not try to locate the leak yourself. Go to a safe location and call 911 or Cordele Gas Department at 229-276-2541. Maintain a safe distance until emergency personnel arrives.
Smell is not the only means to detect a natural gas leak. A dense white cloud forming over a pipeline, dead vegetation in an otherwise green area, dust or dirt blowing up from the ground, or bubbles in standing water may be signs of a leak. An unusual noise such as a hissing or roaring sound coming from a natural gas line may also indicate a leak.
Leak and Damage Recognition and Response:
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