Detecting and responding to gas leaks

Thursday, July 25, 2002

If you smell gas:

- Leave the house and call 911 from an outside line.

- If it is convenient to do so on your way out, open windows and doors to ventilate, and extinguish open flames.

- Do not flip light switches, use telephones or even flashlights inside the home as you could cause an explosion.

- Extinguish cigarettes. Do not light any matches.

To prevent gas leaks:

- Get heating system and other gas-powered appliances checked yearly by your gas company.

- If gas pipes are corroded, get them fixed.

- Check stove to make sure pilot lights are not extinguished. Cracked knobs on some stoves can also cause leaks.

- Before digging near gas mains, call 1-888-DIG-SAFE to determine if it is safe.

SOURCE: Local fire officials