A Henderson, Nev., woman thought she smelled gas in her home one evening, but didn’t report it because she couldn't find the source. Her neighbors also detected the odor outside, but took no action. Hours later, an explosion and fire that investigators said stemmed from a bad gas line connection destroyed that woman’s home.
Thankfully she was not seriously injured. But the incident demonstrates the importance of taking every precaution at the first sign of a potential gas leak. Although explosions from residential gas leaks are very rare, their results can be devastating. In addition, approximately 300 people die each year from natural gas poisonings related to home heating equipment that burns fuel, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Natural gas is odorless. However, gas companies add a "rotten egg" smell that usually can be easily detected when gas leaks. If you smell natural gas or suspect a gas leak, it is important to act quickly:
- Leave the premises immediately, opening doors and extinguishing any open flames, if possible.
- Do not unplug or plug in any electrical appliances, or turn off or on any light switches. This can cause a spark that could touch off a gas fire.
- Call your gas company or 9-1-1 from a neighbor's phone. Operating a telephone in your home can also cause a spark.
- Do not smoke or light matches near your home. And be careful with some flashlights, as turning them on may cause a spark.
- Do not re-enter your home until a gas company official has inspected the premises, made any necessary repairs, and deemed it safe.
To help prevent gas leaks, it is important to make sure your gas appliances are properly installed and vented, and kept clean and in good working order. Annual inspections by a qualified technician also are recommended. To reduce a chance of fire, be sure to keep all combustible materials away from furnaces, water heaters, ranges or other gas appliances.
For additional peace of mind, an easy-to-install home gas detector unit can be purchased at home centers for $35 to $50. Typical gas detectors will identify methane and propane gas. A separate detector is needed for carbon monoxide ($45-$50). Gas detectors are especially recommended for the elderly or anyone with a diminished sense of smell.
Gas leaks also can occur outdoors, but are much more difficult to detect by smell. Indications of a possible outdoor gas leak include a hissing sound; dirt or water being blown into the air; bubbles on the surface of puddles or ponds; or dead grass or vegetation near a gas line. If any of these are detected, avoid the area and call your gas company or 9-1-1 from a neighbor’s phone.