Gas Safety & Prevention

Recognizing Signs of Gas Leaks

Natural Gas does not have a scent in its standard form, however Utility companies have added a scent to imitate the smell of Rotten eggs to be significantly distinct and able to recognize. The odor can be described as a sulfuric, garlic- like smell

**Natural gas will fill an area quickly and could cause asphyxiation, making you unable to breath.

Signs of Gas Leak

• The smell of gas indoors
• A hissing sound inside the house or garage coming from an appliance, valve, or pipe connection fitting.
• Bubbles around your home in moist areas or in standing water.
• Dead grass or dried-up vegetation near pipe line area
• A damaged connection to a gas pipeline
• An exposed gas pipeline after an earthquake or natural disaster
• Earth moving or dirt blowing in the air near the pipeline area

What To Do if you Smell Gas:

• Open a window if you smell the slightest hint of gas.
• Notify Neighbors.
• Exit the premises.
• DO NOT Turn on any light switches, or use a cell phone – a cell phone can also create a spark
• Call your local utility company when you are a safe distance away.
• Don’t go back into the building until a utility personnel has deemed it safe.

Prevention.

It’s important to have your plumbing system in check.

Carbon Monoxide Detector It’s not always safe to rely on your senses to detect gases when a simple device can do it for you 24-hours a day. It’s important to have a Carbon Monoxide detector on each floor of your home.

Make sure you store liquids containing household chemicals and cleaners away from gas appliances since they may be flammable.

Fire Extinguisher: make sure there is always at least one fire extinguisher that is kept in a safe and accessible location in case of a fire related emergency.