Natural gas is a safe and clean source of energy and used throughout the campus, but like any gas, there is potential for it to be released unintentionally.
Your response to a natural gas leak will be similar to other emergencies that make an area temporarily unsafe; evacuate.
Remember the 3 R's:
Recognize
- The most common way natural gas leaks are detected is by the smell, but you may notice a hissing sound from a connection in a lab or dead vegetation near a buried line.
React
- Evacuate the area immediately. This includes evacuating buildings that may be the source or be bringing gas in through the air handling equipment. Evacuate to an assembly point that is not in the area of the leak.
Report
- When you are in a safe area, report the leak by calling Maintenance at 281.425.6490.
Responding to a Natural Gas Leak
Always:
- Evacuate
- Report
- Provide any detailed information you have to arriving responders
Never:
- Investigate the leak yourself
- Turn on or off appliances or any equipment capable of creating a spark, including light switches
- Stay near the leak or reenter an area until responders give the all-clear