Questions and Answers About Natural Gas Safety
What causes carbon monoxide?
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Carbon monoxide, or “CO” for short, happens when an appliance that burns fuel isn't working right. It can also happen if a car is running inside a garage. If the gas is burning the right way, it mixes with the oxygen in the air to produce harmless carbon dioxide and water vapor. But if the fuel doesn't get enough oxygen, or if equipment parts are broken or cracked, carbon monoxide can develop. That’s why it’s so dangerous to try to use a gas stove to keep warm if the power goes out. There won’t be enough oxygen in the room for both the stove and you! |
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Why does natural gas smell like rotten eggs?
When natural gas comes out of the ground, you can’t see it or smell it. Gas companies add the odor of rotten eggs to make even the smallest gas leak easier to notice.
What should I do if I smell natural gas?
If a really bad smell happens all of a sudden, get everyone out of the house right away and ask a grown-up to call 911 from a neighbor’s phone.
Why shouldn’t I call 911 from my house?
Using a telephone might cause a spark that could cause an explosion.
Learn more about what to do if you smell a gas leak
Why is the flame on our gas stove blue?
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The blue flame means that the gas is burning the right way – it’s getting the oxygen it needs. If the flame on the stove or pilot light is yellow, it might be giving off harmful fumes. The appliance needs to be checked by a professional right away. |
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Test your safety smarts
Now that you’ve read about the dangers of natural gas, test your smarts by trying this fun online game:
Natural gas safety house
Fun stuff to print out
Make a Safety Comic Strip
[PDF format – one page]
Energy Safety Survey
[PDF format – one page]
Alliant Energy Kids activity book
[PDF format – eight pages]
Links for teachers and parents: