Your home is your safe place, your refuge from the stresses of the outside world. When you’re inside your house, you shouldn’t have to worry that you’re in danger. But when there’s a gas leak, there’s no place more dangerous than what was once your safe harbour, and you need to get out.

Natural gas powers many of your products, such as your dryers, stoves, fireplaces, and other appliances. When it’s working correctly, it’s perfectly safe. However, this energy-creating gas is highly flammable. Breathing it in can lead to natural gas poisoning. 

When your appliances go on the fritz, professionals like Caldwell Plumbing understand the dangers of working with gas and can help. But if you suspect a gas leak, follow these five safety steps before you do anything else.

Step 1: Recognise the Signs

While it’s not always possible to detect a gas leak, there are some clear-cut warning signs that should never be ignored. Natural gas is odourless, making it difficult to know when you’re breathing the fumes. To combat this problem, gas companies use an extra chemical called an odorant that leaves a sulphur-like smell (think rotten eggs). When the gas is leaking, that smell leaves a telltale trace. The stronger the scent, the more likely you’re dealing with a gas leak.

You may also hear noises that warn you of a leak, such as hissing sounds near appliances or pipes. The appliances may be off, and you still hear those noises. That’s a whisper that you should get help fast.

The final signs are visible if you know what to look for. Natural gas leaks in underground pipes will show up as air bubbles in stagnant water puddles or mud. You may also notice that your plants are wilted, dying, or dead. The presence of natural gas keeps plants from getting the oxygen they need to grow, so your plants will be a “dead” giveaway of a leak.

Step 2. Know the Symptoms of Gas Poisoning

The goal is always to avoid a gas leak before exposure to it long enough to get sick. Still, if the leak is subtle, the first signs may be of gas poisoning. 

Should you or your family start complaining of symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headaches, tiredness, or shortness of breath/trouble breathing, you may be experiencing natural gas poisoning.

These symptoms become more severe at high levels of exposure. You or your loved one may complain of severe headaches, or you may notice memory problems and poor concentration. Eventually, this will lead to the person passing out and potentially suffocating from lack of oxygen. Get help instantly and move yourself or the person to another area outside of the gas leak.

Step 3: Keep an Eye on Your Appliances and Meter

Appliances and devices that run on natural gas should be inspected regularly. Become proficient in the manufacturer’s instructions so you know the warning signs of a malfunction or leak. Check that the pilot light is always working, and know what it looks like when it’s correctly functioning. 

Watch your gas bill throughout the year and verify that it matches your use. For instance, in the winter, you’ll use your furnace more often. But if your summer gas readings rival the winter bills for no apparent reason, you may have a leak.

Step 4: In Case of a Leak, Shut Off the Gas

Maybe your carbon monoxide detector is warning you that there’s a problem with something burning in the home, or the rotten egg smell is obvious. Whatever the case may be, you suspect a gas leak, and you’re taking it seriously. The next step is to get your family together and leave the home. Open up any windows you pass on your way out and keep the door open to avoid excess gas buildup. Then, shut off the gas valve.

Homes that rely on natural gas have a gas shutoff valve that’s almost always outside. Be sure you know where yours is before there’s a leak, and turn that valve off to prevent more gas from escaping.

Step 5: Call 911

Steps four and five should be done simultaneously. While you’re heading to the valve to shut the gas line off, call 911 and let them know you suspect a gas leak. Get as far away from the property as possible, and let your neighbours know there’s an issue, too, so they can evacuate.