For The Reporter

Billing statements arriving in the mailboxes of Puget Sound Energy electric and natural gas customers over the coming weeks might smell a little rotten.

A natural gas safety brochure is being sent to more than 1.1 million PSE customers throughout September. It includes a scratch-and-sniff section that’s a reminder of the rotten egg odor associated with natural gas. There’s also important information about what to do if there’s a suspected gas leak at your home or business.

To help detect gas leaks more easily, PSE and other natural gas utilities add an odorant called mercaptan to the natural gas, which is naturally odorless and colorless. PSE wants all family members, including children, to recognize the stench and know what to do if they smell it.

What to know about natural gas

• If a natural gas odor is detected inside or outside a house or building, or if a leak is suspected, everyone should get out immediately.

• Do not flip any lights, switches or appliances that might create a spark.

• Do not use anything that might create an ignition source or has a flame, such as lighting a match or a cigarette.

• When far away from the area, call 911 or PSE’s 24-hour emergency hotline at 1-888-225-5773.

• PSE’s natural gas technicians will respond immediately from our service centers at no charge to check out a problem. We’ll check out any reports of a natural gas odor for free at any time.

• Customers shouldn’t worry about reporting a false alarm. Keeping people safe is always our top priority.

• A hissing sound, blowing dirt or bubbles in a puddle may also indicate a possible natural gas leak.

In addition to delivering a rotten egg smell, the pamphlet also reminds customers to call 811 to have underground utility lines located before having any work done to prevent injuries and damage.

Learn more about natural gas safety at pse.com/gassafety.