5 Tips For Gas Safety At Home
Natural gas consumption has skyrocketed, accounting for 21% of global fuel consumption. This means that the higher the consumption, the higher the chances of a gas leak. Thus, this necessitates the understanding of warning signs to protect yourself and your family in the event of a gas leak.
Read on to learn about safety tips in case of a gas leak in your home.
What Is a Gas Leak?
Natural gas is a fossil energy source found beneath the earth’s surface. Its primary constituent is methane, but it may also contain natural gas liquids and non-hydrocarbon gases. It is derived from animals and plants previously found in layers and layers on the bottom of the ocean, the surface of the earth, and other locations. Those same layers were then buried beneath sand, silt, and rock. Some are converted into coal, natural gas, and oil due to heat and pressure.
A gas leak occurs when natural gas escapes from a piping system and enters an area it should not.
Leaks are hazardous because they can accumulate to an explosive concentration. They have the potential to kill trees and vegetation, cause an explosion and fires, and emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
Tips for Gas Safety
It is advisable to keep a fire extinguisher in one’s kitchen. Combustible materials, such as paints, solvents, or gasoline, should not be stored near a furnace, oven, water heater, other gas appliances, or range.
Turn off the gas at the appliance gas shutoff valve if the pilot light goes out. Wait at least 5 minutes for the gas to dissipate before relighting the appliance’s pilot light. Keep an adjustable pipe or a crescent wrench near the main shutoff valve in an emergency.
Keep flammables away from a gas appliance, oven, heater, range, or furnace. Laundry, newspapers, mops, and brooms are all examples of flammable materials.
You should never look for a gas leak with a match or candle.
Do not turn off or on any electric switches if you suspect a leak.
It doesn’t matter if the leak is outside or inside; it is just as dangerous. Therefore, authorize an inspector to pinpoint and repair leaks and advise you when it is safe to return to your residence.
In case you suspect a leak, find a safe place to go and call a natural gas professional right away.
Gas leak detection and emergency repairs are never do-it-yourself projects. We at Signature Plumbing Company are capable of adding a gas outlet for your gas dryer, detecting and repairing exterior or interior gas leaks, installing a new gas line, inspections, and all required permits. Call us to ensure your safety and security. For more information, visit our website and blog.