Your gas appliances are designed for years of trouble-free use. To ensure your safety it is important to know the warning signs that indicate an appliance is not working properly. The most common warning signs include:

Pilot light outages
"Booming" noises upon ignition
Delayed ignition (slow to start up)
A yellow or wavering flame, or a change in the appearance of the flame
Excessive soot or corrosion (brown or black streaks or stains) on the appliance or vent system
Any continuous or intermittent odor – either the “rotten egg” smell of the odorant in natural gas or a sharp odor that may cause the eyes to sting
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: nausea, headaches, lethargy, or other flu-like symptoms

If you notice any of these signs,
Stop using the appliance
Turn off the natural gas supply to the appliance only, do not turn your gas off at the meter.
Report the malfunction to a qualified gas contractor immediately.

Make sure the areas around gas appliances and vent pipes are kept clear of combustible materials like laundry, paper, paints, solvents and propane cylinders.
Do not store lawnmowers, motorcycles and other gasoline powered equipment or vehicles indoors or near gas appliances
Remember that natural gas appliances have open flames and can be a source of ignition – do not use combustible products such as solvents and glues in the area
Make sure there is an adequate supply of air to gas appliances – do not block off the duct bringing in outside air and check with your local gas inspector or heating contractor before enclosing appliances
Know where to find the gas shut-off valve for each appliance, and how to use it – the gas is “off” when the valve handle is perpendicular to the gas pipe.

Regular maintenance ensures your safety and helps keep your natural gas appliance operating at their best. You can take care of much of this maintenance by yourself if you choose, but a qualified gas contractor should inspect and service your gas appliances on a regular basis.
When selecting a qualified gas contractor, make sure that personnel are licensed gas fitters and experienced at inspecting all types of natural gas appliances for safe operation. Be sure to ask if they know how to check heat exchangers – firms who are solely in the furnace installation or cleaning business may not be qualified to perform this inspection.

Exposure to carbon monoxide causes flu-life symptoms like headaches, nausea, drowsiness and the loss of muscle control. While the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from regularly maintained or properly functioning natural gas appliances is extremely low, you should be aware of its symptoms. If you suspect the presence of carbon monoxide, get everyone to fresh air immediately. Open doors and windows to air out the room or building. Turn off the suspect appliance and have a qualified gas contractor inspect your appliances. If you experience physical symptoms, seek medical advice.
While regular appliance maintenance is your best defense against carbon monoxide poisoning, you may wish to install a carbon monoxide detector near the lseeping areas in your home for extra protection.

Your natural gas meter measures the amount of natural gas you use. Your bill is calculated based on readings from your meter. It’s also the point at which natural gas enters your home. To ensure your meter’s accuracy, accessibility, and your safety, it is important not to damage your meter.

Don’t attach anything to your meter – clotheslines, dogs on leashes, etc.
Don’t store or lean materials against your gas meter or piping.
Be sure your meter is accessible – don’t enclose it in any buildings or decks.,
Dig by hand when landscaping near your pipe connection, and keep the area near your meter free of landscaping. If you damage a natural gas pipeline, you may be responsible for the cost of repairs.
Keep your meter free from snow and ice build-up.