Under normal operating conditions natural gas burns cleanly and safely. If the gas is not burning properly, or a gas appliance is not operating properly, incomplete combustion can occur and carbon monoxide is produced.

Often, these flu-like symptoms will affect your entire family at the same time. But unlike the flu, if everyone feels better after they leave the house, then worse when they return home, your family could be experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning. In addition to natural gas, incomplete combustion of any fuel containing carbon such as propane, gasoline, kerosene, and charcoal can produce carbon monoxide. In most cases, with a combination of preventative maintenance and common sense, you can keep your home carbon monoxide free. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may include:
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting

In case of carbon monoxide poisoning move the victim to a well ventilated area and call 911 for medical assistance. Then phone the City of Hamilton at (513)785-7550 for us to assist in locating the problem source.

We suggest that you have your gas appliances inspected on a periodic basis by a licensed professional. Natural gas should burn with a steady blue flame. If you notice something other than that, for instance a floating or yellow flame call us to determine if there is a problem. Our customer service number is (513)785-7550.

Natural Gas Leak
Natural Gas is odorless. A chemical, mercaptan, which smells like rotten eggs, is added to the natural gas so it is apparent when natural gas is present. If there is a natural gas leak, no matter how small or large it will be detected.

If you smell a strong gas odor in or around your home, leave. Go to a neighbors house and call our customer service to report the leak. We will respond as quickly as possible to determine the cause, and advise you when it is safe to return to the premises.

• If possible, eliminate any source of ignition.
• Do not smoke. Do not use lighters or matches.
• Do not turn on/off any switches or appliances.
• Do not use a phone or cell phone.
• Leave the area! If in your home or business, leave and go to a safe location and call The City of Hamilton 24-Hour Emergency Service at (513)785-7550.

Keeping your home safe
• Always have your appliances installed and serviced by a qualified contractor and follow the directions for safe operation and care.
• Your gas appliances should have a bright blue flame when they are operating correctly. A clean flame means your appliances are burning efficiently and are properly adjusted.
• Gas appliance connectors should be periodically inspected for corrosion to avoid leaks. Move old appliances carefully to avoid damaging connectors and do not reuse old connectors.
•Check your appliances for proper ventilation. Never store or use flammable materials such as solvents, cleaning agents, gasoline, kerosene, propane, or butane bottles in any enclosure with a gas
appliance.
• Do not use a barbecue grill indoors.
• Do not operate or repair small gasoline engines such as lawn mowers or leaf blowers in an enclosed area without proper ventilation.