Get out of the house immediately. Don't turn any electrical switches on or off, or use a flashlight or the telephone. An electric spark from any electrical or battery-powered device, or even from static electricity, could ignite a gas leak and cause an explosion. Call (210) 353-HELP from a neighbor's house as soon as possible. Never try to locate the source of a gas leak yourself.

Even if the smell of gas is faint, don't take any chances. Leave the house and call CPS Energy at (210) 353-HELP.

Using the oven or range to heat your home can damage the equipment and produce dangerous carbon monoxide gas.

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas, created when a fuel like wood, charcoal, gasoline, propane or natural gas does not receive the proper amount of air as it burns. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include dizziness, fatigue, nausea and heart palpitations. Victims should be moved to fresh air immediately and given medical attention as soon as possible, including mouth-to-mouth resuscitation if they are not breathing. In the event of a carbon monoxide buildup, open doors and windows to ventilate the house, then leave as quickly as possible.

Don't let young children use the stove or oven, or swing from or play with pipes leading to water heaters or ranges.

If you use a gas space heater anywhere in your home, make sure the room in which it is used is always ventilated to the outside. Never sleep in a room with an unvented gas or kerosene heater.

For mild burns, where the skin is mildly reddened but not blistered or charred, immerse the burned area in cold water to relieve the pain and help reduce damage and speed healing. DO NOT USE butter, ointment or ice. Cover minor burns with a sterile bandage.

In the event of major burns, call 911 for help immediately. Then, monitor the burn victim to ensure he or she is breathing and there is a pulse. Remove constricted clothing or jewelry if possible, but if clothing or jewelry is stuck, do not attempt to remove it. Elevate the burned areas of the body to above heart level. If the burn has occurred to the face, help the victim sit up until professional emergency help arrives.