Did you know that natural gas doesn’t actually have a smell? Â Most gas companies add a chemical to give it that rotten eggs type smell. Â They do this because gas leaks are very serious, and they want you to be aware when one happens. Â Most likely, in your home, you have at least one appliance that is connected to a natural gas line. Â Your oven, grill, or hot water heater might be, and if you have a forced air furnace, it definitely is. Â Natural gas leaks can be extremely dangerous, and they are considered to be an emergency situation. Â That is why if you smell gas in your home it is important to follow these steps from DTE:
- Leave the area at once. Â If inside, open doors and windows on the way out.
- Go to an outside location where you can no longer smell natural gas.
- Call our natural gas hotline at 800.947.5000 to report the situation. Or, call your gas provider’s natural gas hotline.
DTE also offers a list of things you should NOT do if you suspect a gas leak:
- Use matches or lighters. Avoid all open flames.
- Use any electrical device, including appliances, doorbells and garage door openers.
- Use any phones, including cellular phones.
- Turn light switches on and off.
- Try to locate the source of the natural gas leak.
- Re-enter the building or return to the area until DTE Gas tells you it’s safe to (DTE)
According to Healthline, one of the dangers of a gas leak is that affects the amount of oxygen there is available to breathe. Â Exposure to gas could leak to some of the following symptoms:
- headache
- dizziness
- nausea
- eye and throat irritation
- fatigue
- breathing problems
- pale skin or blisters, which only occur if skin comes in contact with compressed or liquid gas (Healthline, What Symptoms Can a Gas Leak Cause?)
If you suspect a gas leak in your own home or business, be sure to follow these steps without hesitating. Â After a professional has come to handle the leak, it may be necessary to contact FLAME to do a thorough inspection on your furnace or to complete necessary repairs. Â For more information about.Â
