Safety

Our mission is to enhance quality of life by delivering safe, reliable and cost-effective natural gas and water, essential for today and future generations, and we are focused on strengthening your confidence in this public utility every day.

M.U.D.’s operations are focused on protecting employee safety, public safety and our facilities to continue providing life-essential services, even during disasters and emergencies.

Please use the links below to learn more about safety topics to further protect you, your family or your business.

Natural gas safety

How to recognize a natural gas leak:

  • SMELL: Recognize the odor which is similar to skunk, rotten eggs or sulfur.
  • SIGHT: See a white cloud, mist, fog, bubbles in standing water or blowing dust. See dead vegetation spots in the grass.
  • SOUND: Hear an unusual noise like roaring, hissing or whistling.

What to do if you suspect a gas leak:

  • Move to a safe environment away from the building.
  • Do not use a land line phone or cell phone inside the building.
  • Do not use anything that could produce a spark, ignite the gas and/or cause an explosion. (This means, do not touch/operate light switches, garage doors/openers, matches, candles, lighters, flashlights, motors or appliances).
  • Do not assume someone else will report the condition.
  • Once you are out of the building/area, call 402.554.7777 or 911 and provide your location.
  • Let us know if construction or digging activities are going on in the area.
  • There is no charge for checking gas leaks.

What is natural gas and its hazards?

Natural gas is an economical, safe, colorless and odorless fuel. For easy detection, we add a chemical to give gas a distinctive odor like skunk, rotten eggs or sulfur. Natural gas is not poisonous, however it can displace oxygen in a room. Since it is lighter than air, natural gas dissipates quicker than propane or gasoline. While natural gas has a better safety record than any other major form of energy, its use requires caution.

Potential hazards include fire, explosion or suffocation, however natural gas alone will not burn or explode. It needs the right amount of air and an ignition source. More than half of the reported natural gas accidents are caused by people digging before utility lines are marked. Call 811 two business days before digging.

Safety precautions

  • Have your natural gas appliances, heating system, chimney and venting systems inspected every year by a qualified heating contractor.
  • Use a clean filter. Standard air filters for furnaces need to be cleaned or changed once a month, more often during the heating season. Newer filters may be washable or require less frequent changing. Check the owner’s manual.
  • If a pilot light or burner flame goes out, allow ample time for any gas accumulation to escape before relighting. If the problem continues, call M.U.D. at 402.554.6666, or your heating contractor.
  • Gas appliances and furnaces need fresh air for proper combustion. Combustion products need to be vented to the outdoors. Keep flues, ducts and vents attached to appliances and heating systems in good condition and clear of obstructions.
  • Do not use gas ovens to heat a room or for any purpose other than cooking. It could be dangerous to your safety and may damage the range or oven.
  • Teach children about safety around all household appliances.
  • Each gas appliance has its own shut-off valve. Know where each is located and how to shut it off in case of a suspected gas leak.

 

To download a natural gas safety brochure, click here.

Electrical power outages and natural gas supplies/appliances

Loss of electrical power to your home does not impact the gas supply to your home or appliances (Note: Gas stoves that are spark ignition will not work without power). Once the power is restored to your home, the power to your appliances may need to be cycled to reset them.

Please contact your HVAC service provider to assist you if your furnace or water heater do not start back up once power is restored.

Before you dig in your yard, call Nebraska 811 or 800.331.5666

Call at least two working days in advance, and ask for a “locate.” Utility representatives will locate and mark all underground (gas, water, electric, phone, cable) lines. There is no charge for the service.

You can send an online request through the Nebraska 811 website at ne1call.com.

If you damage any underground facilities during your excavation and smell natural gas, first leave the area and then call 911. Then call M.U.D. at 402.554.7777, followed by 811 to report the damages. If water lines are damaged, call a licensed plumber.

Disasters

In the event of a disaster, turn off all gas appliances as you would if you were leaving your home — like the stove, oven, gas fireplace, etc. If there is a situation where gas needs to be shut off, M.U.D. will take care of it, and keep customers informed via the news media. An uncontrolled release of natural gas may result in fire, explosion or suffocation.

Decreased sense of smell

If you have a decreased sense of smell, you may want to buy a “natural gas sensor.” Most models are available for less than $60. They are easy to install and they monitor carbon monoxide, methane (natural gas) and propane. The unit should have the UL (Underwriters Laboratory) seal of approval.

Carbon monoxide

For information on carbon monoxide awareness and prevention visit this page.

Frequently Asked Utilities Safety Questions

  • What CO level is dangerous to your health?

    The health effects of CO depend on the level of CO and length of exposure, as well as each individual’s health condition. The concentration of CO is measured in parts per million (ppm). Health effects from exposure to CO levels of approximately 1 to 70 ppm are uncertain, but most people will not experience any symptoms. Some heart patients might experience an increase in chest pain.

    As CO levels increase and remain above 70 ppm, symptoms may become more noticeable (headache, fatigue, nausea). As CO levels increase above 150 to 200 ppm, disorientation, unconsciousness, and death are possible.

    Accreditation

    Consumer Products Safety Commission Document #466

  • I saw a story that said Omaha’s water ranks among the worst in the nation. Is this true?

    No, that is an inaccurate old story circulating on the internet and social media for the last several years. M.U.D. water meets all state and federal standards for safe drinking water. The Nebraska Health Department and U.S. EPA regulates your tap water. Please check the annual water quality report for accurate information. Click the Water Quality tab and then follow the link to the water quality report.

    To request a printed copy, please contact Customer Service at [email protected] or call 402.554.6666. The Water Quality Report is published in April each year.

  • What should you do to prevent carbon monoxide (CO)?

    When burning fossil fuel (wood, propane, oil, natural gas), carbon monoxide (CO) can be produced by lack of air, improperly working appliances or poor flue conditions. Follow these maintenance and inspection tips:

    1. Don’t use temporary heating systems. Never use a gas or propane range to heat your home.
    2. Make sure your permanent heating system and appliances are operating and vented properly. Have the heating system and appliances inspected every year by a licensed heating contractor.
    3. Keep flues and chimneys clean and free of debris.
    4. Check for rusted or pitted flue pipes from your furnace and water heater. Don’t patch or repair these pipes; have them replaced immediately.
    5. Check the flames. All gas flames should be crisp and blue. If flames are white or yellow, appear “soft” or wavy, or if you see soot or carbon deposits, shut off the furnace and call your heating contractor.
    6. Hold your hand under the vent pipe on the furnace. If you notice hot air backing out of the vent, turn off the furnace and call your heating contractor. Hot air can mean blockage in the vent or chimney.
    7. Use a clean filter — your furnace will run smoother and more efficiently. Standard air filters need to be changed once a month. Newer filters may be washable or require less frequent changing. Check the owner’s manual.
    8. Be sure a fire is completely out before closing the fireplace damper.
    9. Do not operate a barbecue grill in a closed area.
    10. Don’t start or run gasoline-powered equipment in a closed area.

    CO detectors can provide added protection, however they are not substitutes for proper use and upkeep of appliances. Maintain and inspect detectors to make sure they are in working order.

  • What is an excess flow valve?

    You may request that M.U.D. install a mechanical shut-off device called an excess flow valve (EFV) on the natural gas service line to your property.  An EFV is designed to significantly reduce the flow of gas if the service line outside of the structure becomes damaged, lessening the possibility of a natural gas fire, explosion, personal injury and/or property damage.

    Federal law did not require EFVs to be installed on newly constructed homes until June 2008. If your home was built prior to June 2008, you most likely do not have an EFV installed on the service line to your home. Customers who want to have an EFV installed on their service line that was installed prior to June 2008 may do so at their expense.

    You most likely already have an EFV installed if:

    • Your home/building was built since June 2008
    • Your gas service line was replaced since June 2008

    You may call Customer Service at 402.554.6666 to verify if you have an EFV on your service line.

    EFVs are NOT designed to close if a leak occurs beyond the gas meter (on house piping or appliances). EFVs also may not close if the leak on the service line is small. If you add gas appliances, like a pool heater or emergency generator, there is a possibility that the additional gas flow may cause the EFV to close.

    If you notify us that you want an EFV, we will contact you to set up a mutually agreeable date when we will install it. You will be responsible for the installation cost of $800 (installment plans are available).

    Note: EFVs cannot be installed on some service lines due to high gas flow, low distribution system pressure or other factors. Each situation will be evaluated upon request.

    For more information, call Customer Service at 402.554.6666.

  • If I lose electrical power will it affect gas supply or appliances to my home?

    Loss of electrical power to your home does not impact the gas supply to your home or appliances (Note: Gas stoves that are spark ignition will not work without power). Once the power is restored to your home, the power to your appliances may need to be cycled to reset them.

    Please contact your HVAC service provider to assist you if your furnace or water heater do not start back up once power is restored.

  • I’ve seen warnings against mixing chlorine and ammonia because it creates a dangerous gas. Isn’t it dangerous if this mixture is in my drinking water?

    The chloramine in the water is not dangerous because the concentration of these materials is much smaller than it would be if you accidentally mixed the chemicals. Also, because chloramine is dissolved into the water, it is not available to the air as a gas.

  • What are the major sources of lead exposure for children?

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that the major source of lead exposure for children in the United States is lead-based paint and lead-contaminated dust found in deteriorating buildings. For more information, visit our Lead page.

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