GAS LEAK
To be prepared for a gas leak, you can:
- Install a gas leak detector: Install and maintain gas detection units throughout your building.
- Turn off the gas: Turn off the gas supply as soon as possible.
- Open windows and doors: Open windows and doors to help prevent gas buildup.
- Evacuate the area: If you suspect a gas leak, leave the area immediately.
- Call emergency services: Contact your local gas company’s emergency hotline or the police. It’s best to make these calls outside the home, as using your phone may ignite the gas.
- Limit ignition sources: Turn off all stoves, open flames, and other potential ignition sources.
It’s not recommended to try to deal with a gas leak yourself, as it can be dangerous.
How do you know if you have a gas leak ?
A gas leak is typically indicated by a strong smell like rotten eggs (due to added odorant), a hissing or whistling sound near gas lines, visible bubbles in standing water near gas pipes, dead plants around gas lines, a white cloud or dust near a gas line, or a sudden increase in your gas bill; if you suspect a leak, immediately evacuate the area and contact your gas company or emergency services.
Key signs of a gas leak:
- Smell: A distinct “rotten egg” odor, which is the added chemical to help detect gas leaks.
- Sound: A hissing or whistling noise near gas lines or appliances.
- Visual cues: Bubbles in standing water, white mist or dust cloud near gas lines, dead or wilting plants around gas pipes.
- High gas bill: A sudden increase in your gas bill could signify a leak.
What to do if you suspect a gas leak:
- Leave the area immediately: Do not turn on lights or use any electrical appliances.
- Call emergency services: Contact your local gas company or 911.
- Do not attempt to fix the leak yourself: Only qualified professionals should handle gas leaks.
How to turn off your gas at your house
What happen to you during a gas leak.
Gas leaks can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, fatigue, eye irritation, and skin blisters. It can also become difficult to breathe. Open your windows and call for help immediately.
Many homes use natural gas for heat, hot water, and appliances. Natural gas has no smell, which means a small leak would be impossible to detect.
A hissing sound is not always present, either. That’s why your utility company adds mercaptan, a harmless chemical, to the gas. Mercaptan smells like sulfur, or rotten eggs, to help you identify gas leaks. But you may not smell anything if the leak is very small.
Evacuate the area immediately if you experience the following:
- smell sulphur or something like rotten eggs
- hear a hissing or whistling sound near a gas line
- see a damaged connection to a gas line
- see a white cloud, blowing dust, or bubbles in standing water
- see plants that are dying or dead for no apparent reason
If you suspect a gas leak avoid touching electrical appliances or turning on anything that may cause a spark or fire. Instead, leave the building, leave the door open, and head to a safe location. There you can call 911, your local fire department, or gas company to report the leak.