HORSEHEADS, N.Y. (WETM) — The Horseheads Fire Department had an increase in calls about the smell of natural gas on Sunday.
According to the Horseheads Fire Department, the department, neighboring fire departments, and NYSEG got more calls about natural gas odors than usual on April 14. The HFD said that a preliminary investigation with NYSEG determined that there was an issue with the ratio of the odorant mercaptan (which adds a sulfur/rotten egg smell) in the gas lines.
Despite the increase in odorant, the HFD and all other departments have been and will continue using air monitoring meters to make sure areas that smell like gas are safe. Fire Departments cannot determine whether or not there is a leak until they perform an on-site investigation.
If you smell gas, go outside immediately and call 911 or NYSEG at 800-572-1121 from a safe location. NYSEG advises against calling from inside, touching any electrical switches, and touching any appliance switches in areas where the scent of natural gas was detected.
Read More: Horseheads Fire Department reports increase in natural gas odor calls