Also, it is SEMCO's policy to prosecute all gas thefts detected on its distribution system.
Attempts to steal natural gas can be dangerous, to the thief and to those living in the immediate area. Natural gas service is a safe and efficient energy source when connected and maintained by trained professionals, such as SEMCO Service Technicians and certified private contractors. However, when inadequate equipment and/or training is involved in making a connection, natural gas can leak, creating potentially dangerous situations, including injury and death.
Natural gas thefts can be detected in a number of ways - including routine leak surveys, emergency leak calls, routine equipment maintenance and tips from callers.
Tips can come from almost any source, including family members, neighbors, public safety workers and anonymous callers.
SEMCO investigates all suspected gas thefts. When a theft is confirmed, the local police are contacted and criminal charges are sought against the responsible party. These usually involve felony charges which can lead to a jail sentence and criminal record.
If you suspect a situation involving natural gas theft, please contact SEMCO immediately by calling Customer Service at 1-800-624-2019 or by calling our Gas Leak/Emergency line at 1-888-GAS-1-GAS (1-888-427-1427). All anonymous tips are accepted and investigated.
Natural gas is colorless, odorless and tasteless. To help you recognize the presence of natural gas, an odor similar to rotten eggs is added.
Natural gas is lighter than air, rises quickly and disperses harmlessly in open areas. However, in an enclosed area, natural gas displaces air at ceiling level and fills the room from the ceiling down. As gas fills an enclosed space, it displaces air and suffocation may occur.
Natural gas is not Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). Liquefied petroleum gases, such as propane, are heavier than air and, unlike natural gas, will collect in low places.
Natural gas is not toxic or poisonous.
Natural gas cannot burn without oxygen. For natural gas to burn, it must be mixed with air and must have an ignition source, such as a pilot light or electric arc from a light switch, electric motor, doorbell or telephone.
Burning natural gas will not explode. In many cases, it is better to let the natural gas burn than to extinguish the fire. If the fire is extinguished prior to stopping the flow of gas, the gas has the potential to build up to an explosive level.
Your best friend/family pet could be an on-the-job safety issue for us. We like dogs and encounter them every day, however, it is difficult to determine which dogs are friendly and which ones are unfriendly. Our workers experience several dog attacks every year. Please, keep all dogs indoors when SEMCO ENERGY crews are working on your property. Thank you.
