GENERAL INFORMATION

What do I do if I smell gas?
    Natural gas smells like rotten eggs due to the chemical additive ethyl mercaptan. If you smell the odor, leave the area immediately. Then notify us (251)-626-2628 and/or the fire department. Do not return until the safety personnel has said that it is safe to return.  

How do I read my gas meter?  Your gas meter is an accurate automatic measuring instrument. It keeps track of how much gas flows through it by counting the filling and emptying of the compartments inside the meter. Since each compartment fills with just the same amount of gas every time, the measuring is very accurate. And because one compartment is emptied as another is being filled, the flow of gas to the various appliances is smooth and uninterrupted.   

  The part of a meter that shows the amount of gas used is called an index. In our system, there are two basic types of indexes.

    If your meter has round dials and the pointer is between two numbers always record the lower number. The one exception is if the pointer is between 9 & 0 (zero) you then read 9 because the zero then represents the completion of a cycle. When the pointer is directly on a number, check the dial to the right. If the dial to the right has not passed zero, record the lower number for the dial on the left. To obtain a reading, read the dials left to right, recording the numbers in the same order, left to right.

The correct reading for this meter is 2017. This means that 2017 hundred cubic feet (MCF) of gas has passed through the meter since all dials were on zero. Another way to write this amount is 201,700 cubic feet.
The other type of meter index you could see is called a direct read. An example is shown. This type index works much like an odometer on your car. To take a reading, all you have to do is read the number. Each of the numbers would correlate to one of the dials shown.

The set marked "half foot" and "two feet" are not used in the meter reading. These dials are only used for test purposes.
    To determine how much gas has been used since the previous reading, simply subtract last month’s reading from the current reading. You’ll be better able to track your gas use, and you’ll be more aware of conserving energy. Please look on your utility bill to see what your billing period is so that you can read your meter on the same schedule.

GAS LEAK DETECTION AND PROCEDURE

If something smells like rotten eggs, you may have a gas leak.

We add the chemical ethyl mercaptan to natural gas before distribution, giving natural gas this strange and detectable odor. If you smell natural gas, follow these simple yet imperative instructions:

1. Everyone should exit the building or house immediately, leaving the door open upon exit. If the leak occurs outside, leave the area immediately.

2. Go to another location and call Daphne Utilities at (251) 626-2628 or the local fire department to report the leak.

3. Stay away from the building or area until Daphne Utilities or fire department personnel say it is safe to return.

Again, leave the area immediately.

Do not try to locate the leak yourself.

Do not operate anything electrical including lights, TV, radio, or an automatic garage door.

Do not operate anything battery operated including a flashlight.

Do not turn on the gas range or other gas appliances.

Do not light a flame or strike a match.

Do not use the telephone.

LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY!

ACCIDENT PREVENTION STRATEGIES

Just over 25 percent of American homes are fueled by natural gas, the cleanest burning fuel source. While it offers reliable and efficient energy, natural gas can be highly dangerous if handled improperly. Possible hazards of natural gas include fire, explosion, carbon monoxide poisoning, and/or suffocation. Adhering to these simple guidelines can help reduce the potential of a dangerous accident.

Keep combustibles away from furnaces, heaters, gas ranges, and dryers.

Make sure pilot lights are lit when they are turned on.

Never use a gas range as a space heater.

Only install gas heaters in well-ventilated areas.

Keep gas ranges clean.