A Sight I Will NEVER Forget – What To Do If You Smell Natural Gas
You can never be too safe! I am passing on this post by Barbara Altieri about Natural Gas with the hope that it will help you to be prepared if you smell gas. Blessings!
A Sight I Will NEVER Forget – What To Do If You Smell Natural Gas
When I was 10 years old the house next to my aunt’s house blew up due to a buildup of gas. One owner was in the house at the time and perished in the accident.I remember visiting my aunt shortly after and seeing the house that was very familiar to me reduced to a pile of rubble. I have never forgotten that sight. I can close my eyes right now and still see it. Since then I have always had this keen awareness and fear of natural gas smells.
Natural gas is odorless. Fortunately a chemical called mercaptan is added to give it its pungent odor specifically to warn consumers of potential leakage. So every time I smell that stinky smell, I immediately think back to that house next to my aunt. I also report the smell immediately.
In the last two years, I have reported three gas leaks – each of which led to significant gas line remediation. One situation involved digging up a large part of a street; but I was told that if I had not reported that smell in a vacant house, the house … and possibly others close by … could have blown. The funny thing is that other people were in that house the same day, and no one reported the smell! It was very faint, but it was there!
If you smell gas, don’t expect that someone else will report it. Call it in to your local police or fire department if you don’t know what gas provider to call. They will patch the message to the appropriate provider.
If you do encounter the unmistakable smell of gas in a house, these are suggestions you should follow:
- Do not attempt to locate the leak.
- Do not attempt to turn natural gas valves on or off.
- Do not turn any electric switch on or off; this could cause a spark and ignite the gas.
- Do not turn any electrical appliances on or off . This includes your computer.
- Do not use your telephone, cell phone, or garage door opener.
- Do not smoke or use any open flames
- Do not stop to open windows.
- If possible, stay away from carpeted areas to avoid sparks of static electricity.
- Leave the house and, from a safe distance, call the utility company. If you don’t know the number call 9-1-1.
Natural Gas Safety Tips:
- Look for the blue flame. If pilot lights and burners have a steady, blue flame, they are operating correctly. (Note: decorative gas fire logs are the only exception. Their flame is usually yellow.)
- Have all gas appliances, furnaces, vents, flues, chimneys and gas lines in your home or business inspected every year or two by qualified industry professionals.
- Keep the areas around all appliances and equipment clean and unblocked to allow for proper air flow.
- Follow manufacturer instructions for the care and use of gas appliances and equipment.
- Call the gas provider before you do any digging in your yard. Call Before You Dig. It's the law.
Once again, from experience, if you smell natural gas, DO NOT assume someone else will report it whether it’s inside a building or out.
When you’re in a safe area, call the utility company or just call 9-1-1 for assistance. You could very well avert a possibly dangerous situation.In Fairfield County and New Haven County CT, the primary natural gas providers are:
Yankee Gas
24-Hour Gas Leak Emergency: 1.877.YG4.LEAK (944.5325)
Southern CT Gas Company
(800) 513-8898.
A Sight I Will NEVER Forget – What To Do If You Smell Natural Gas
Barbara Altieri, REALTOR
Listing and Buyer's Agent
Certified Short Sales Specialist
RealtyQuest Real Estate Sales and Services
203.656.4993 x29
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SheltonBuzz - Facebook Community PageIMPORTANT NOTICE For Short Sale Sellers: RealtyQuest and Barbara Altieri are not associated with the government, and our service is not approved by the government or your lender. Even if you accept our offer to help you with your short sale and use our services, your lender may not agree to change your loan. If you stop paying your mortgage, you could damage your credit and lose your home.
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