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Natural Gas Safety

Natural gas is a safe, efficient, and widely used energy source, but it’s important to follow safety precautions to protect yourself and your home.

If You Smell Natural Gas

Natural gas is odorless, but a substance called mercaptan gives it a rotten egg smell to help detect leaks. If you suspect a gas leak, STOP. GO. LET US KNOW.

  1. STOP. Do not light matches, turn on lights, or use any electrical devices, including phones or appliances. Avoid flushing or running water.
  2. GO outside immediately.
  3. LET US KNOW. Call the gas odor hotline at 800-942-8274 or 911. Central Hudson will send a professional to check for leaks or faulty appliances. This hotline is only for reporting gas odors.

 



General Natural Gas Safety Tips

  • Keep vents & meters clear. Snow and ice buildup can lead to carbon monoxide hazards. Refer to this page for important information about ensuring Central Hudson has access to your home's metering equipment. 
  • Never use a gas oven or range for heating. Use appliances only as intended.
  • Inspect gas appliances regularly. Schedule periodic cleaning and gas connection checks.
  • Store flammable materials safely. Keep paints, gasoline, aerosol sprays, and papers away from natural gas appliances to prevent fire hazards.
  • Handle fuel safely. Avoid refueling mowers or cleaning tools with solvents near heating appliances. Vapors can ignite quickly.
  • Look for certified appliances. When purchasing natural gas appliances, choose ones with safety seals from AGA or UL.
  • Prevent scalding. Check water heater settings to ensure temperatures are between 120–125°F to protect infants and the elderly.
  • Install carbon monoxide detectors. All homes should have detectors, as required by New York State law.

 

Outdoor & Excavation Safety

  • Call before digging. Planning construction or landscaping? Installing a new fence or pool? New York state law requires you to contact UDig NY at 1-800-962-7962 or dial 811 to locate underground utility lines.
  • Buried gas lines need maintenance. If you have buried natural gas lines past the meter, notify Central Hudson for inspection. It is your responsibility to let Central Hudson know that these lines exist. Repairs for leaks on customer-owned lines are the owner's responsibility.
  • Teach children safety. Children should never tamper with natural gas meters or play near gas pipes.

 

Gas Appliances With Flexible Brass Connector Tubes

Gas connectors are corrugated metal tubes used to connect gas appliances in your home to fuel gas supply pipes. Older brass gas connectors may have a dangerous flaw that can cause leaks or fires. To our knowledge, these dangerous uncoated brass connectors have not been made for more than 20 years, but many of them are still in use. If your home has uncoated brass connectors, replace them immediately with stainless steel ones. Connectors can wear out from too much moving, bending or corrosion. Connectors should always be replaced whenever the appliance is replaced or moved from its location. Code requires that a new gas appliance connector must be used for a new appliance, when moving an appliance to a new location, or as a result of damage.

 

Pipeline Safety

Our Gas Transmission Pipeline Integrity Management Plan ensures the secure and efficient delivery of natural gas by using advanced technology, regular inspections, and ongoing communication with customers and local officials.

gas pipeline photo

How We Maintain Pipeline Safety

Our comprehensive safety program includes:

  • Routine inspections & reassessments to detect potential issues early.
  • Statewide & regional prevention programs to enhance reliability.
  • Advanced testing & corrosion prevention for pipeline integrity.
  • Quarterly aerial inspections of transmission line rights-of-way.
  • Communication with emergency responders & local officials to ensure updated safety procedures.
  • Educational outreach to customers about safe natural gas usage.

Preparation, prevention, and communication are essential to safety. We collaborate with municipalities, train emergency responders, and have established communication plans for quick and effective responses.

How You Can Help Keep Pipelines Safe

  • Call Before You Dig. New York state law requires you to contact UDig NY at 1-800-962-7962 or dial 811 to locate underground utility lines.
  • Know Pipeline Locations. While some gas lines have above-ground markers, not all locations are marked. Always request line markings before digging.

Pipeline Security Measures

The natural gas industry collaborates with government security agencies to maintain the highest safety standards. Central Hudson continuously evaluates and enhances security procedures to ensure pipeline safety and protection.

For more details, check out our Natural Gas Pipeline Safety brochure.