As part of Home Safety Month, the City of Mesa's Energy Resources Department is encouraging residents to review and share essential natural gas safety practices to help protect their families and neighborhoods.

Natural gas is a widely used and efficient energy source—but because it is both colorless and odorless, a harmless chemical is added to give it a distinctive rotten egg smell to make leak detection easier.

In addition to the odor, there are other signs that may indicate a gas leak:

• A blowing or hissing sound coming from a gas pipeline, appliance, or meter
• Unusual soil movement or dirt blowing into the air
• Dead or dying vegetation in an otherwise healthy area
• Bubbling water near a gas line

If you suspect a gas leak or natural gas emergency:

• Leave the area immediately. Do not attempt to locate the source of the leak.
• From a safe location, call 911.
• Contact the City of Mesa's emergency gas hotline at 480-644-4277 to report the issue.

Early detection and quick action are critical to preventing serious harm. As temperatures rise and residents rely more heavily on home energy systems, taking time to refresh your safety knowledge is a simple yet powerful step.

For more information and safety tips, visit https://my.mesaaz.gov/gassafety.