Did you know that natural gas doesn’t actually have a smell? Most gas companies add a chemical to give it that rotten eggs type smell. They do this because gas leaks are very serious, and they want you to be aware when one happens. Most likely, in your home, you have at least one appliance that is connected to a natural gas line. Your oven, grill, or hot water heater might be, and if you have a forced air furnace, it definitely is. Natural gas leaks can be extremely dangerous, and they are considered to be an emergency situation. That is why if you smell gas in your home it is important to follow these steps from DTE:
- Leave the area at once. 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. 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. 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. For more information about.
