Stay Safe Using Natural Gas
DTE Energy is committed to ensuring natural gas remains a reliable, dependable and safe source of energy for homes and businesses across our state. Below are simple ways you can do your part to help stay safe every day.
Storm Safety and Natural Gas
After severe weather, be careful around uprooted trees. Roots systems can entangle buried pipelines, and when a tree is blown over, they may damage the pipe, resulting in a natural gas leak.
If you detect a sign of a natural gas leak, such as the smell of rotten eggs, leave the area immediately and call 9-1-1 before calling DTE at 800.947.5000. For more tips on what to do during and after a storm, check out our Storm Safety Center.
Increase Your Natural Gas Safety
- Follow manufacturer’s instructions in the care and operation of gas-fired appliances within your business.
- Hire qualified contractors for installation and repair of gas appliances.
- Keep all combustible materials stored away from gas flames (chemicals, solvents, boxes, paper and printer supplies).
- In kitchen areas, keep stove burners and surrounding surfaces clean.
- Inspect the flues of automatically controlled appliances to ensure they are corrosion-free, securely attached, and correctly vented.
- Don’t use gas fuel lines to hang tools or other materials.
- Don’t block furnace room air vents. Gas appliances require air to burn fuel completely and operate efficiently. A yellowish flame can signal improper operation.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors in prominent areas and within an audible range.
- Have all gas equipment and carbon monoxide detectors inspected by a qualified technician annually.
Plan to be Proactive
You’re committed to keeping your employees both comfortable and safe. While natural gas is a safe and reliable source of energy, there are rare occasions that an emergency can occur because of a gas leak. Ensure that your employees are both knowledgeable about safety and well prepared with an emergency action plan.
- Determine a method for reporting emergencies and alerting employees
- Establish a comprehensive evacuation plan that includes floorplans with safety routes,medical routes, marked exits and a safe assembly point after the evacuation
- Post the procedures in several highly visible employee areas
- Designate a leader to communicate with employees and practice drills frequently
Relighting a Pilot Light
If the pilot flame on a natural gas appliance goes out, shut off the gas supply at the appliance's valve. Allow time for accumulated gas to escape, and then follow the relight procedure posted on the appliance.
If you have any doubts about the relighting procedure, call us at 800.477.4747.