Many families use natural gas to warm their homes, cook their meals and heat their water. It’s a dependable natural gas. However, it can be a hazard.
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Gas leaks and damages to pipelines can be very dangerous. Exposure to extremely high levels can cause dizziness, fatigue, nausea or even death. It can also lead to fires and explosions.
Learn how to stay safe and manage the gas in your homes with these five tips from Gas South.
Pay attention to unusual smells.
While natural gas is odorless and colorless in its purest form, a chemical called mercaptan is added to give it the distinctive gas leak smell of rotten eggs. If you notice the stench, leave the area immediately. Keep a safe distance until assistance arrives. Call 911 or your local gas provider. For Atlanta, you can contact Atlanta Gas Light at 770-907-4231 or 1-877-427-4321.
Listen and watch for unusual sounds and sights.
A hissing sound can be an indication of a leak. Discolored vegetation, blowing dirt and bubbling water around a buried gas line are also key signs.
Additionally, the pilot lights and burners on your stove should have a steady blue flame. If one does not, it could be operating improperly.
Keep the area near your appliances clear.
The floor and walls surrounding your appliances should be clean and unblocked. This will allow for proper air flow, which allows your items to work properly.
Also, do not store flammable products, such as gasoline, spray paints or cleaners, in the area.
Check your appliances at least every other year.
Be sure to have all of your gas appliances, furnaces, vents, flues, chimneys and gas lines inspected annually or biannually by qualified professionals. Experts may be able to catch signs of a leak and prevent damages before they occur. You should not move or install your gas appliances or change a connector yourself. Always enlist the help of a professional.
Buy a fire extinguisher.
Keep at least one multipurpose fire extinguisher in your home. Make sure it accessible and the members of your home know how to use it.
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