Ameren warns of rising gas leaks in dropping temperatures

CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Temperatures are cooling down in Central Illinois, which means gas leaks are on the rise. Ameren workers advise that if you smell gas, act fast.

Furnaces, water heaters and fireplaces are just some spaces where leaks happen. Workers said natural gas is odorless and colorless, but some can give off a rotten egg smell. Supervisor Jacob Dukett said it takes 22 minutes to respond to a gas leak.

He said customers should inspect all appliances toward the end of the summer and make sure flames are the right color when burning.

“If you have a gas stove or if you see the flames inside your furnace, you should have that really crisp blue flame,” Dukett said. “Anytime we see orange or yellow or speckling of the flames — or a ‘dirty flame’ is what that would resemble — that can be a sign of having a gas issue or carbon dioxide issue.”

He said if you catch any scent of natural gas inside your home, leave immediately. Customers…