One of the most dangerous things in your home can't be--for the most part--seen or smelled. Natural gas leaks can cause untold damage to your health and your house. They can even be fatal if not detected. Learning to stay alive and to alert yourself or your family to the danger is a simple process. Learning what to do in the event of a natural gas leak can mean your survival, so it bears thinking about.
Natural gas leaking into your home can cause suffocation. Commercial gas, such as the variety that is used to heat your food or to power your hot water tank is usually infused with a strong odor that will alert you to the presence of the leak. Make sure that everyone in the family knows this characteristic odor and what to do when they smell it.
Gas and utility companies offer cards in most cases that are the scratch-and-sniff variety that will help you to teach your family about the scent that is common when gas is leaking. If this is an odor that you smell at any time, leave the house. The most imperative move at that moment is to get out.
Particularly if the odor is very strong or anyone is having difficulty breathing, leave the area as rapidly as possible and if you have close neighbors, alert them to the leak so that they can get out too. Immediately telephone emergency services as well as the utility company to report the gas leak. If you know how, shut off the gas to your home.
Under no circumstances do you want to do anything that might cause an explosion. You will see older, die hard employees test for gas leaks using a match around a gas pipe. Nothing in the world could be more dangerous. Immediately look around for any source of fire, extinguish any open flames, put out cigarettes, and get outside immediately. If possible, leave the doors and windows open to aerate the room and allow the concentration of gas to escape.
Do not reenter your home until you are told that it is safe to be there by emergency services or your local gas company. All types of gas are dangerous. Unfortunately not all types of gas have the built in smell to alert you to their presence. Carbon Monoxide and Radon do not afford you an early warning system but may be just as dangerous. In fact, probably more so, since you don't get those warning signs.
To help keep you safe from Carbon Monoxide poisoning, keep your vents and chimneys in good working order. Inspect them twice a year to assure they work correctly. Do not ever block a heating vent in your home. When you are not awake or at home, don't leave the oven or gas appliance on. Don't leave your car running in a closed garage that is attached to your home. Never use a grill or other outdoor appliance inside the house.
Carbon Monoxide poisoning affects many thousands of people each year. Secure your home against it by the purchase of some inexpensive--but lifesaving CO detectors.
It is important that everyone know the signs and symptoms of gas inhalation. These are: dizziness, nausea, difficulty swallowing or breathing, sleepiness or drowsiness, general weakness, and blurred vision.
If you have any of these signs and think that you may have some type of gas leak, the time to act is immediately. Get outside the house and into fresh air as quickly as possible.
