FAQs

• What should I do to prepare for a storm?  

  What should I do to prepare for a storm?

  Keep flashlights, a battery-powered radio and fresh batteries handy.

  Have at least one telephone that is not dependent on electricity. (Cordless phones won’t work during a power interruption.)

  Keep a supply of non-perishable food and bottled water on hand.

  If you have a cell phone, make sure the battery is fully charged.

  Contact neighbors to see if their power is off. You may have simply blown a fuse or tripped a circuit breaker.

  Visit http://www.nyseg.com/UsageAndSafety/electricalsafety/stormsafety.html?menu=1081 for more information and additional storm safety tips.

• How can I detect a natural gas leak?  

  How can I detect a natural gas leak?

  Use your senses to detect gas leaks. A natural gas leak is usually recognized by smell, sight, or sound. Remember, if you smell natural gas, get up, get out and get away. Then call us immediately from a safe location.

  • Smell: Natural gas is colorless and odorless. For your safety, a distinctive sulfur-like odor, similar to rotten eggs, is added so that you’ll recognize it quickly. Not all transmission lines are odorized.

  • Sight: You may see a white cloud, mist, fog, bubbles in standing water or blowing dust. You may also see vegetation that appears to be dead or dying for no apparent reason.

  • Sound: You may hear an unusual noise like roaring, hissing, or whistling.

• What should I do if I suspect a gas leak?  

  What should I do if I suspect a gas leak?

  If you suspect a natural gas leak, get up, get out, and get away! Then call us immediately at 1.800.572.1121 or 911 from a safe location. We will respond quickly to ensure that you and your family are safe.

  • Do not smoke or operate electrical switches or appliances. These items may produce a spark that might ignite the natural gas and cause an explosion.

  • Do not assume someone else will report the condition.

  • Provide the exact location, including cross streets.

  • Let us know if sewer construction or digging activities are going on in the area

• How can I stay safe around electricity?  

  How can I stay safe around electricity?

  There are several electrical safety myths that you should be aware of. Please visit our website Safety Myths to view some of the common misconceptions such as “Tires are electrical insulators.” They are actually conductors, not insulators.

• Who do I contact if I need to dig on my property?  

  Who do I contact if I need to dig on my property?

  Whether you're a contractor or a homeowner doing an outdoor project, having underground utilities marked is essential to protect yourself and others from injury and prevent damage to underground utility lines. Contact Dig Safely. New York at 811 or 1.800.962.7962 at least 2 working days (not counting the day you call) but not more than 10 working days before you plan to start your project. Digging can be dangerous and costly if you don't have underground facilities marked before you start.