South Jersey Gas	NEWS RELEASE
1 South Jersey Plaza, Folsom, New Jersey 08037 Tel. (609) 561-9000 Fax (609) 561-8225 TDD ONLY 1-800-547-9085

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Joanne Brigandi x4240 December 7, 2009 South Jersey Gas Shares Natural Gas Safety Information

  

Folsom, NJ – Natural gas is a green and efficient way to keep your family warm and comfortable while Old Man Winter blusters and blows. As with any heating fuel, safety should be a priority when dealing with natural gas. As the region’s natural gas utility, South Jersey Gas is committed to your family’s safety. Following these easy tips will keep you and your family safe and comfortable this heating season. In its original state, natural gas is odorless and colorless. For your safety, a rotten egg scent is added to the natural gas serving your home to allow you to easily and quickly detect a leak. If you suspect a leak, follow these tips: • Leave your doors and windows open to let fresh air in • Make sure pilot lights are lit and burner knobs are off. You should also check for unusually high pilots. • Do not use anything that could cause a spark, including electric appliances, light switches, landline or cellular phones, flashlights or lights. • Leave the building immediately and call the South Jersey Gas Leak Hotline (1-800-582-700) from a safe location. Carbon monoxide, commonly called CO, is an odorless, colorless and tasteless gas caused by the incomplete combustion of fuels like oil, gasoline, wood, charcoal and natural gas. Vents, equipment, chimneys and rooftop stacks that aren’t properly installed, used or maintained cause most CO problems associated with heating equipment and appliances. To avoid CO exposure, install CO detectors throughout your home and ensure your chimney is clean and free of debris. A blocked chimney will not allow burned gases like CO to escape properly. Symptoms of CO poisoning include dizziness, nausea, headache, and drowsiness. If you or anyone in your family experience these symptoms, go outside to fresh air immediately. Seek prompt medical attention and call SJG to report the incident. For more natural gas safety information, please visit www.southjerseygas.com South Jersey Gas is the principal subsidiary of South Jersey Industries (NYSE:SJI) and provides natural gas service to more than 340,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Salem, and significant portions of Gloucester, Burlington and Camden Counties in New Jersey. Visit http://www.southjerseygas.com to learn more about South Jersey Gas and its programs ###