HOUSEHOLD EMERGENCIES

Gas leaks

Natural gas is not poisonous but when combined with air, it becomes highly explosive and can destroy a home. Do not attempt to do gas repairs yourself. This is one of the few areas of domestic maintenance in which any kind of repair or remedial work must be performed by a professional. Because natural gas has no smell, an artificial odor( methyl mercaptan) is added to both gas lines and tanks so that leaks can be detected quickly. If you smell escaping gas, you should take immediate action.

ACTION PLAN

START				Can you smell gas inside or outside the home? Outside Inside	ACTION CALL GAS COMPANY IMMEDIATELY. Are any electrical appliances or lights turned on?	ACTION WHEN THE ROOM IS WELL VENTILATED AND YOU CAN NO LONGER SMELL GAS, RELIGHT THE PILOT LIGHT.
	ACTION LEAVE THEM ON, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF AN ELECTRIC FIRE, WHICH SHOULD BE TURNED OFF. EXTINGUISH ANY FLAMES AND VENTILATE THE ROOM. Has a gas stove burner been left on?	Yes No ACTION DO NOT TURN ON ANY APPLIANCES OR LIGHTS. EXTINGUISH ANY FLAMES. ACTION	Has a stove, boiler, or pilot light gone out? Yes No
	Yes No	TURN THE BURNER OFF AND OPEN WINDOWS TO VENTILATE ROOM.	ACTION TURN THE GAS OFF AT THE MAIN AND CALL YOUR GAS COMPANY IMMEDIATELY.

Home Emergency Book Vol 1 | Page 181

Gas leaks