What NJ residents need to do right away when they smell natural gas

PATERSON — A natural gas explosion Tuesday morning that leveled two multifamily homes, destroyed a third and displaced 38 people is an important reminder about the dangers of gas leaks.

New Jersey's three major natural gas utilities staff hotlines people can call when they suspect a leak. They say people should never assume that someone else will report the leak.

In order to make its presence in the air more evident, the utilities add odorant to natural gas, which is colorless and extremely combustible. As a result, natural gas often smells like faint rotten eggs or cooked cabbage.

State law also requires people to call the state's 811 hotline before they dig their property in order to ensure that they do not damage gas mains.

Gas leak numbers

— PSE&G 800-880-7734

— Elizabethtown Gas 800-492-4009.

— New Jersey Natural Gas 800-GAS-LEAK (427-5325)

— South Jersey Gas 800-582-7060

What to do in a gas leak:

Here's what PSE&G suggests you do:

— Put out all open flames and don't turn on any appliances.

— Don't touch electric switches or appliance controls in order to avoid any sparks that could ignite the gas.

— Do not use an automatic garage door opener.

— Do not start your car.

— Open windows and outside doors for ventilation.

— If the odor is strong, leave your home before calling the utility company.

Signs of underground gas leak:

— You can smell natural gas outdoors.

— Hissing noise from the ground.

— Dirt blowing from a hole in the ground.

— Bubbling in a puddle or pond.

— Ring or circle of dead grass in a lawn.

When to call before you dig

— Planting a tree, installing a lawn sprinkler, erecting a mailbox or fence or excavating for construction.

— Call at least three days before you plan to dig.

— Utilities provide a fee mark out of the underground gas, water, telephone and electrical pipes.

— More info at NJ One Call.

Sergio Bichao is deputy digital editor at New Jersey 101.5. Send him news tips: Call 609-438-1015 or email sergio.bichao@townsquaremedia.com.