ILLINOIS — Colder weather brings out the need to heat your home. Many homes use natural gas to provide that heat in the winter months. With winter just getting started, Ameren Illinois is reminding residents of safety tips when it comes to a natural gas leak.

Gina Meehan-Taylor with Ameren Illinois says once you get a whiff of that rotten egg smell, get out and fast.

Ameren’s emergency response line is open and ready 24 hours a day, and crews will be at the scene within an hour of the report.