Dig safely with 811

Before starting any digging, even for small projects, it’s important to contact 811 first!

• 811 helps mark where underground pipes and wires for important utilities, like gas and water, are buried.
• It’s a free service that can help keep your family and the community safe.
• Always remind a grown-up to contact 811 at least two days before any digging project — big or small. 

Learn more about 811 and how it helps keep people safe.

Signs of a natural gas leak

Natural gas helps power homes and businesses, but it can be dangerous if it leaks. Because natural gas doesn’t smell on its own, a stinky rotten-egg smell is added to help people notice danger quickly.

If you smell it, move to a safe place outside and tell a trusted adult right away. They should call CenterPoint Energy’s gas leak hotline or 911 to report the leak.

View our safety pages for more tips that can help you stay safe if you smell a natural gas leak.

Carbon monoxide safety

Carbon monoxide, also known as CO, is a gas you can’t see or smell, but it can be harmful. It can build up when homes are heated, especially during very cold winters. To help you stay safe, remember these tips:

• Ask a trusted adult to make sure carbon monoxide alarms are working where you live.
• Never play near appliances like furnaces and heaters
• If an alarm goes off, tell an adult immediately.

Learn more about carbon monoxide, how to tell when it might be around and ways to stay safe