Strong Odor

If you ever smell a strong, persistent gas odor:

• Put out all open flames.

• Don't smoke or light any matches.

• Don't touch any electrical light or appliance switches.

• Don't use your phone because it may cause a spark.

• Leave the house and call 911 from a neighbor's home, away from the gas odor. As you leave, open doors and windows if you can do so quickly and easily. Because natural gas is lighter than air, it rises and will dissipate rapidly where it can escape into the open air.

• Stay away from your house until you've been told that it is safe to return.

If there's a major leak, such as one caused by excavators or a vehicle damaging a gas line:

• Notify the fire department by calling 911.

• Warn others to stay away from the area of the apparent leak.

Faint Odor

A faint natural gas odor coming from an appliance could mean its pilot light has gone out or a burner valve has been left slightly open. It's easy to correct these problems. But if the odor is strong and hard to trace, be sure to call the fire department at 911.

Older furnaces and appliances might have manual pilot lights that can be lit again, but newer models have electronic ignitions that are powered by electrical sources.

If the pilot light is out

• Read the manufacturer's instructions so you know what type of ignition is on the furnace or appliance.

• Check the instructions and follow them exactly.

• Don't try any measures not mentioned in the owner's manual.

• If you aren't sure what to do, do not try any remedies on your own.

• Call a qualified service technician or your gas company.

Before you dig

Illinois law requires all persons digging, regardless of the depth of the project, to call JULIE at 1-800-892-0123 at least 48 hours (two working days) prior to the start of excavation and to begin that excavation project within 14 calendar days from calling JULIE. (The 48 hour notice does not include Saturdays, Sundays or holidays.) Failure to contact JULIE prior to excavation in accordance with the law can carry penalties from $200 up to $5,000 for each separate offense. The Illinois Commerce Commission is the enforcement body for the law, not JULIE. For more information visit their website at http://www.illinois1call.com/

Avoid problems in winter