How to detect a natural gas leak
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Smell – Before natural gas is delivered to your home, mercaptan is added to it, which gives the gas a sulphur or “rotten egg” smell to help detect leaks. If you don’t have a sense of smell, install a natural gas alarm in your home, in accordance with manufacturer directions.
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Sight – Natural gas is colourless, so you can’t see it. Visually a gas leak may be indicated by bubbles in wet or flooded areas, distinct patches of dead vegetation, dust blowing from a hole in the ground, or flames if the leak has ignited.
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Sound – A hissing or roaring noise along the right-of-way of a pipeline could also indicate a natural gas leak.
Report a natural gas emergency
Utilities Kingston is available 24 hours a day to respond to natural gas emergencies in the municipal natural gas distribution area. Report utility issues 24/7 at 613-546-1181. Enbridge Gas customers in City East and West can call 1-866-763-5427.
Inside
- Evacuate your premises.
- Don't do anything that could create a spark – don’t switch a light on or off, and don’t use cell phones or lighters, for example.
- Call Utilities Kingston immediately from outside your home or building at 613-546-1181, extension 2151.
- Don’t use lighters or matches, and don’t smoke.
Outside
- Call Utilities Kingston immediately at 613-546-1181, extension 2151.
- Keep clear of the area.
- Don’t start any motors or motor vehicles near the area of the suspected gas leak.
- Don’t use lighters or matches and do not smoke.
How Utilities Kingston will respond
In the event of a natural gas leak, Utilities Kingston will respond immediately, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Crews will:
- Respond to the incident site.
- Identify the source of the problem and ensure the emergency site has been cleared of anyone whose safety may be at risk.
- Make the situation safe.
- Advise the customer of their options with respect to the piping system or gas-fired equipment repair.
In case of evacuation
The safety of our workers, the public and the natural gas distribution system is our top priority. Kingston Fire & Rescue and our certified technicians make decisions regarding evacuation.
Follow the instructions of firefighters and technicians on the ground. Unless otherwise advised, once fire trucks have cleared the scene, it is safe to return to your property.
If a wide area is affected by a gas leak, Kingston Fire, the City of Kingston and Utilities Kingston will issue statements via traditional and social media, and post information to our websites.