Housing and Dining Services

Spotting a Gas Leak

Housing and Dining Services is dedicated to ensuring the safety of all students and staff. Here is some important information you need to be aware of as an individual living in an area with natural gas pipeline.

Natural Gas is Safe

With 250,000 miles of natural gas pipelines nationwide, natural gas provides 24 percent of all energy needs in the United States. Natural gas pipelines are among the safest fuel transportation systems in the world. Made almost entirely of high-grade coated steel and high-density polyethylene. Natural gas pipelines are tested, monitored and maintained using the latest technology 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Natural gas is odorless, but a product called Mercaptan is added to the gas to give it a smell like rotten eggs.

Hazards of a Leak

In the event of a natural gas leak, here are some hazards you need to know.

  • Natural gas is lighter than air.
  • Gas leaks are highly flammable and easily ignitable.
  • Gas leaks displace oxygen and can cause asphyxiation.
  • Vapors may cause dizziness.

Recognizing a Leak

Although natural gas pipelines have an unparalleled safety record, occasionally leaks do occur. Here are some signs of a natural gas leak:

  • An odor like rotten eggs.
  • Roaring sound like an engine.
  • Bubbles in wet or flooded areas.
  • A hissing or whistling noise.
  • Fire or explosion near or involving the pipelines.
  • Dirt or dust blowing from the ground.
  • Patches of dead vegetation or grass.

Avoid and Report

If a natural gas leak is suspected, LEAVE THE PREMISES IMMEDIATELY, then call 785-532-6466 or 911.

Do's:

  • Do leave area and go upwind.
  • Do call from a safe place.
  • Do warn others of the hazard.

Don'ts:

  • Do not turn switches on or off.
  • Do not use a phone, computer, appliances or elevators.
  • Do not touch electrical outlets, switches or doorbells.
  • Do not start an engine.
  • Do not extinguish a fire or repair a leak.

Learn More

INFORMATION: 785-532-3471
EMERGENCY: 785-532-6466 or 911

You may also stop by the Davenport Building (north of the K-State Gardens on the corner of Denison Avenue and Jardine Drive) for more information.

Our first priority is protecting people, then property!