Natural gas has very limited range of flammability -- in concentrations in air below 4 percent and above about 14 percent natural gas will not burn. It also has a very high ignition temperature, about 1,200 degrees F. The high ignition temperature and the limited flammability range make accidental ignition or combustion unlikely.

Generally, natural gas accidentally released in the open will vent harmlessly into the air. However, when a gas and air mixture within the flammability range collects in a confined space, it can ignite accidentally. If you smell gas inside a building or house, you should:

• Alert others and leave the area immediately.
• Leave open any doors you pass through to help ventilate the area, but don't take time to open windows.
• Do not operate any electrical switches or equipment, including telephones and flashlights.
• Call the local gas company from a telephone outside the area. Our associates are available to assist you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Remain away from the area until the gas company declares the area safe.

If you are outside and smell the odor of natural gas, call the local gas company from a telephone away from the area. The most common cause of outside gas leaks is excavation or construction activity that disturbs pipelines. Do not allow contractors or others to dig or drill on your property unless they have first checked with the local "one-call" system or with all local utilities to determine the location of buried pipe and cables.

Additional Resources

Compression Couplings in Texas
Frequently Asked Questions: Safety Information
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