General Safety Information
 

Important Notice about Customer-Owned Service Lines

SJG wants to ensure commercial/industrial customers with privately-owned service lines know their responsibility. If you own your service lines, you need to be aware and adhere to the following information contained in the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR 192.16 - Customer Notification).

“South Jersey Gas Company does not maintain the customer’s buried piping. If the customer’s buried piping is not maintained, it may be subject to the potential hazards of corrosion and leakage. Buried gas piping should be:

  • Periodically inspected for leaks.
  • Periodically inspected for corrosion if the piping is metallic; and
  • Repaired if any unsafe condition is discovered.
  • When excavating near buried gas piping, the piping should be located in advance and the excavation done by hand.
  • South Jersey Gas Company, plumbers and heating contractors can assist in locating, inspecting and repairing the customer’s buried piping for a fee.”
If you have any questions about these regulations, please call our Customer Care Center.

Why does natural gas smell so strange?

Natural gas is odorless and non-toxic. We add a scent which smells like rotten eggs so you can easily smell a gas leak.

What if I suspect a gas leak?

If you think you have a gas leak:

  • Make sure pilot lights are lit and burner knobs are off. Check for unusually high pilots.
  • Open doors and windows. Never light matches to find a leak. Don’t use any electric appliances, light switches, phones, or permit open flames.
  • Leave the building and call SJG at 1-800-582-7060 from a neighbor’s house immediately.

NOTE: Our crews respond to gas leak calls 24 hours-a-day. This number is for emergencies only. SJG won’t address other service inquiries on this line.

What should I know about carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide, or CO, is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas. CO is produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels like oil, gasoline, wood, charcoal and natural gas. Exposure to CO can sometimes be fatal because it stops blood from taking oxygen.

Vents, equipment, chimneys and rooftop stacks that aren’t properly installed, used or maintained cause most CO problems associated with heating equipment and appliances.

Should I have my home's chimney cleaned?

Yes! A blocked chimney is extremely dangerous because it won’t allow the burned gases including CO to escape your home properly, which can lead to CO poisoning and cause you to become very ill. To avoid any serious mishap, make sure your chimney is professionally cleaned and inspected at least once a year. This keeps it from becoming clogged by fallen leaves, branches, nests or debris.

If you’ve switched from oil to gas and use the same chimney, a clean chimney is especially important. When oil burns, it leaves soot on the chimney’s inner-walls. Over time, this soot can fall off, accumulate and clog the chimney. If a chimney is clogged with soot, CO can’t escape. As an extra safety measure, install carbon monoxide detectors in your home. CO detectors are an inexpensive safety precaution.

What are the symptoms of CO poisoning?

CO poisoning symptoms are dizziness, nausea, headache, drowsiness and other similar symptoms. If you or others experience these symptoms, go outside to fresh air immediately. Seek prompt medical attention and call SJG to report the incident.

Meter Tampering

Tampering with a meter is dangerous and illegal. Anyone found altering a meter faces criminal prosecution and civil penalties. To report meter tampering anonymously, call SJG at 1-888-766-9900 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-658-TIPS.

Planning to Dig On Your Property?
Call Before You Dig--It's the Law!

The law requires you contact New Jersey One Call at either 811 or 1-800-272-1000 for a free underground utility system markout before digging or beginning construction. This includes excavation, construction as well as fence, pool or sprinkler system installations. Fines for violations are as high as $25,000 per day. Criminal charges and civil penalties may also apply.

By calling for a markout, you avoid damaging buried natural gas, electric, water, cable, sewer, and phone lines and possibly injuring yourself or others. You also avoid property damage.
Remember, Call Before You Dig — It’s the Law!

A Final Word on Appliance Safety ...

For better appliance safety:

  • Follow owner’s manual for maintenance, use & care.
  • Don’t bend flexible appliance connectors.
  • Make sure the electric system can handle it before adding an appliance.
  • Don’t use extension cords with gas dryers.
  • Keep combustibles away from gas appliances.
  • Teach children not to play with appliances.
  • Keep your range pilots lit to avoid a gas buildup.
  • Make sure your appliances are off when not in use.
  • Never heat your home or apartment with an oven or range.