Do I need a natural gas detector?

Although Alliant Energy adds a distinctive odor to natural gas as a safety precaution to assist in the detection of a leak, your sense of smell might not be enough to detect it:
• Strong smells in the area, like cooking or chemical odors, can mask the smell of natural gas.
• Prolonged exposure to the same smell can desensitize you to it (called olfactory fatigue).
• Certain conditions in the soil or pipes can cause the natural gas odor to fade or be stripped out of the gas so that it is not readily detectable.

Individuals with a known inability to smell are especially at risk. If this is you, don’t take chances. Get a natural gas detector. Carefully follow the manufacturer’s directions for operation, placement and maintenance.