While natural gas has an excellent safety record, it’s important to take precautions and recognize gas leak warning signs in order to avoid hazardous conditions like fire, explosion, or asphyxiation.

Recognize a leak by:

• Smell: The natural gas odor is similar to rotten eggs
• Sound: May sound like high-pressure roaring, hissing, or whistling
• Sight: A white cloud, mist, fog, blowing dust, or bubbles in standing water

What to do if you suspect a leak:

• Move to a safe location immediately and then call Westfield Gas + Electric at 413-572-0000.
• Do not smoke, light candles, use phones, or operate electrical switches or appliances. Doing so may result in a spark, igniting the gas and causing an explosion.
• Do not assume someone else will report the leak.

Natural gas meter equipment has a vent to regulate pressure. Snow that accumulates on or around the vent can obstruct the opening, creating a hazardous situation. Keep your family safe this winter by following these important steps:

• Don’t use a snowblower or snow plow near your meter; carefully shovel around it.
• Use a broom or your hand to gently brush away any snow on the meter.
• Look up! Carefully remove icicles forming on your roof line to prevent meter or piping damage and to avoid a potential gas leak.
• Ice on your meter that won’t brush off? Don’t kick or hit the meter; call us and we’ll send someone to remove it.
• A clear path to your meter allows our technicians quick access in an emergency.
• Keep accumulated snow away from all exhaust vents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.