Natural Gas
Safety

Royston Natural Gas always prioritizes your safety when you use our natural gas services. Below are tips to help detect and prevent gas leaks and other potential hazards.

Smell Gas?

Natural gas is colorless and odorless. As a precaution, we add a chemical called mercaptan, which gives natural gas a “rotten egg smell” to help detect leaks. Always leave immediately if you suspect a leak. While natural gas is non-toxic, it is lighter than air and can displace oxygen, which could lead to asphyxiation. It can also ignite near a spark.

IMPORTANT:


Some people may not detect the odor due to a diminished sense of smell or other masking odors. Never try to locate or stop the leak yourself.

Look

for blowing dirt, discolored vegetation, or bubbling in standing water.

Listen

for hissing or roaring sounds near a natural gas appliance or line.

Smell

for the rotten egg odor and act immediately.

Leave

the area immediately and move a safe distance away from the potential leak while avoiding any action that may cause sparks.

Call

Royston Natural Gas at 706-245-7232 or 9-1-1 from a neighbor’s house or other safe location away from the area. Stay away from the area until officials say it’s safe.

Buried Pipeline Notification

Download PDF


Carbon Monoxide Safety

Carbon monoxide is invisible and odorless. It can cause illness or death if appliances are not properly vented. When properly operated and maintained, natural gas heating equipment and appliances are safe and efficient. If not properly operated and vented, carbon monoxide could build up in your living space, creating a dangerous situation.

Safety Tips:
  • Install a carbon monoxide detector.
  • Keep appliance areas clear.
  • Have equipment inspected annually by an HVAC technician.

Digging? Call 811 First

Before digging, always contact 811 or go to Georgia 811 at least 2–3 business days in advance. Professionals will mark underground lines for free.

Calling 811 is free, available 24/7, and required by law before you dig.

C.A.R.E. Digging Guidelines:

  • Call Before You Dig
  • Allow Time for Marking
  • Respect the Marks
  • Excavate Carefully

Excess Flow Valve Notice

Stopping the flow of gas from a broken service line significantly reduces the risk of natural gas fire, explosion, personal injury and/or property damage.

Learn More

© 2025 Royston Natural Gas, All Rights Reserved.