It was a crisp October afternoon and Maplewood resident Marjorie Lloyd decided to rake leaves in her backyard. As she was raking, she smelled gas. She was hesitant to call PSE&G because she had smelled gas two years ago and nothing was found. But, this time she decided to call because the odor was so strong and just wouldn’t go away. It was a good thing she did.
When the PSE&G crew arrived they did a thorough check of the surrounding area and found that the odor was coming from a leaking pipe in the basement of Marjorie’s home! They called for help in repairing the leak and soon Marjorie’s street was filled with PSE&G vehicles and equipment. Within a few hours, Marjorie’s pipe was replaced and her property was restored to how it was before crews dug up her yard and part of her street.
“Even if I was in danger, I wasn’t really aware but I guess it must have been dangerous for them to show up like that,” Marjorie said. “I understand that this is what these guys do.”
Marjorie was so impressed with the quick response, efficient work and excellent customer service that she contacted PSE&G and offered to share her experience with other customers.
PSE&G prides itself on operating a safe, reliable gas system. The safety of our employees and our customers is always the top priority, and we take a proactive approach to ensure that everyone stays safe. PSE&G regularly checks, tests and patrols its gas system and pipelines for leaks and corrosion throughout the year and systematically educates emergency responders on safe practices for preventing and responding to gas emergencies, as well as actively promotes safe digging through its Partnership for Damage Prevention, the 811 service.
However, despite our best efforts, gas leaks and damages can occur. Do you know what to do if you smell gas (hint: it smells like rotten eggs)? Here are a few tips from Senior Gas Distribution Supervisor Tom Jahnke.
Remember, if you smell gas … Don’t Panic, Act Quickly.
- Exit the building and move at least 350 feet away. (Do not use cell phones or electronic devises or turn lights on or off inside the house.)
- Immediately call 911. When that call is initiated, it also automatically goes to our dispatch, ( 1-800-880-PSEG (7734) ). You will not be charged for reporting a potential gas leak.
To learn more about gas safety, visit pseg.com/gassafety.
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