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NATURAL GAS- Safety Information

Smell:
Natural gas is odourless, colourless and tasteless. But before it's delivered to your home, it has a harmless chemical called mercaptan, which gives it an odour similar to rotten eggs.

Sight:
At high pressures, a gas leak may be detected in the form of vapour and 'ground frosting'. Other signs include 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.

Sound:
A hissing or roaring noise along the righ-of-way of a pipeline could also indicate a gas leak.

What to do if you suspect a natural gas leak inside:
-Open all doors and Windows
-Evacuate the premises
-Don't use lighters or matches and do not smoke
-Call Union Gas immediately at 1-877-969-0999 from a neighbour's home

What to do if you suspect a natural gas leak outside:
-Keep clear of the area
-Don't start any motors or motor vehicles nearby
-Don't use lighters or matched and do not smoke
-Call Union Gas immediately at 1-877-969-0999 from a location far from the leak

Top 10 Reasons to Choose Natural Gas

10	Natural gas is clean. It is the cleanest burning conventional fuel, producing 45% less carbon dioxide than coal and 30% less than fuel oil when burned.
9	Natural gas is domestically available. Nearly all the natural gas consumed in North America – 98% – is produced in the U.S. and Canada.
8	Natural gas is abundant. Discoveries of new reserves in unconventional rock formations like shale, tight sands and coal seams have expanded our supply to well beyond 100 years.
7	Natural gas is efficient. Some 90% of natural gas’ energy value is delivered directly to consumers.
6	Natural gas is becoming even more efficient. While the number of over the last 40 years, customers today actually use nearly 40% less natural gas. Greater efficiency in production, delivery and usage means fewer greenhouse gas emissions – more good news.
5	Natural gas is reliable. Natural gas is energy we can count on, day in and day out. Whether the sun’s shining or the wind’s blowing, plentiful supplies of natural gas are available for immediate dispatch, an existing interconnected, efficient and highly reliable delivery system.
4	Natural gas is versatile. It generates electricity, runs our manufacturing plants, provides raw material for a range of products, heats and cools our homes and fuels transportation. It provides low-emission backup generation for renewable sources like solar and wind.
3	Natural gas is safe. Stringent safety standards govern the exploration, production, transportation, distribution and use of natural gas. North America’s continental natural gas pipeline system is the safest mode of energy transportation in the world today – and we’re committed to maintaining and improving that fine record.
2	Natural gas is needed. Natural gas currently meets about one-fourth of North America’s energy needs. And we have the capacity to serve even greater demand as natural gas is increasingly called upon as a clean alternative for both power generation and transportation.
1	Natural gas is now. There’s no time to lose in our quest for energy solutions. Natural gas is ready now. It is a proven resource, backed by proven technology, in-place, expandable infrastructure and talented men and women dedicated to delivering on its tremendous promise. It’s time to act. It’s time to choose natural gas.