NEW JERSEY, USA — A 4.8 magnitude earthquake rocked through New Jersey this morning, shaking Pennsylvanians as well.
It was centered near Lebanon, New Jersey at 10:23 a.m., and U.S. Geological Survey figures indicated that the quake might have been felt by more than 42 million people.
Columbia Gas shared the following information on what to do if you suspect the quake may have caused a gas leak.
The best way to detect if you have a natural gas leak is by smell, Columbia said. If you smell a rotten-egg-like odor, you could have a gas leak. Natural gas is naturally colorless and odorless. Companies add an odorant called mercaptan to natural gas, which gives it a distinctive smell, similar to rotten eggs or sulfur.
In some cases, you can also identify natural gas by sight or sound. If you see blowing dirt, bubbling water or dead vegetation, or hear a hissing or roaring sound, that could be caused by natural gas.
If you think you detect a natural gas leak, Columbia Gas says to follow these Stop-Leave-Call tips:
Stop what you’re doing
Don't smoke or light a match. Don't open the windows. Don’t use anything that could cause a spark, like a phone, light switch, appliance or flashlight. Don’t start your car or use your garage door.
Leave the area immediately
If you're inside, get out immediately. If you're outside, leave the area quickly.
Call 911
From a safe location, away from the building, call 911 and wait for crews to arrive.