Safety Center
Natural Gas Safety
Overview
Delmarva Power serves more than 122,000 homes and businesses in the regulated natural gas market in New Castle County, Delaware. An ongoing commitment to meeting the energy needs of our customers has resulted in a solid history of providing safe, reliable, and affordable energy.
Report a Gas Leak
Call 1-302-454-0317 (New Castle County Only)
Safety Tips
Natural gas is a safe, clean, efficient fuel for home or business use. The following recommendations will assist you in using natural gas appliances safely and economically. Your local natural gas or propane provider may recommend additional safety precautions.
If You Smell Gas, TAKE ACTION!!!
Because natural gas is colorless and odorless, a harmless but strong-smelling ingredient called "mercaptan" has been added to draw attention to any leak that might occur. If you smell this strong odor in your home or business, or you have other reason to suspect a natural gas leak, take action right away:
- Immediately extinguish all open flames, such as candles, cigarettes, kerosene lamps and heaters.
- Alert everyone in the area of the potential danger and evacuate the area.
- Do not touch any light switches, do not use the phone, and do not use a flashlight as you leave. Avoid any actions that could cause a spark.
- Move a safe distance away from the area and call your natural gas delivery company, or call 911 to report the location of the natural gas odor. (Delmarva Power natural gas customers should call 302-454-0317).
- Stay away from the area until trained professionals arrive to make it safe.
- Never try to fix a leaking natural gas pipeline or extinguish a natural gas fire.
Call Before You Dig
State law requires you to call a utility locating service, Miss Utility at 811, before you start digging - these services are free. Save yourself time, trouble, injury and perhaps even a fine - call before you dig!
Annual Appliance Check-Ups
A qualified contractor should inspect your natural gas appliances and piping each year. Vent inspection is also necessary to ensure that any carbon monoxide is vented outside your home or business. These inspections can identify potential problems and ensure the safety of your family and employees.
Natural Gas Safety brochures
| What You Should Know About Pipeline Safety |  |
| Natural Gas Safety Tips | |
| Chimney and Flue Safety | |
| Working Safely Near Gas Utilities | |
