Natural gas is a colorless, odorless, and combustible gas consisting primarily of methane. For safety and detection, there is an unpleasant odorant called mercaptan (smells like rotten eggs) to the natural gas traveling through most of the pipelines. Propane is a gas compressed into a transportable liquid and stored in tanks. The odorant mercaptan is also added to propane.
If you suspect a natural gas or propane leak:
- Evacuate the area immediately; warn others as you exit a building or leave the area, if possible
- Do nothing that could create an ignition source. Do not use any type of phone or battery-powered equipment. Do not turn electrical equipment or light switches on or off.
- From a safe location, call the Campus Security 995-1111 or 911
- Do not attempt to locate the source of the odor or re-enter the area
This information along with a comprehensive list of other topics can be found at
employees.nmc.edu/depts/emergency-mngt-plan/emergencies/