You can do a lot with natural gas. Its energy can cook your food, warm your house, dry your clothes, and more. But gas piping systems can fail, and all sources of energy can be dangerous with improper handling. If natural gas is leaking in your home, you must act very carefully to stay safe. So, use this information to learn how to respond to a natural gas leak.

Responding to a Gas Leak

If you notice the signs, symptoms, or signals of a natural gas leak, you must take the proper steps to stay safe. Taking these steps involves knowing what to do and what not to do.

What to Do During a Gas Leak

Evacuate

Everyone in your house should leave the property immediately and meet up at a preselected, secure location. Vacating the building reduces your exposure to the gas and distances you from the home in case the gas leak ignites.

Open doors and windows

As you are leaving, you should open doors and windows so the gas can vent outside.

Call for help

Once everyone in your family is out of harm’s way, you should call 911, your local fire department, or your state’s natural gas emergency line.

What Not to Do During a Gas Leak

Don’t look for the source of the leak

Searching for the source of a natural gas leak increases your contact with the gas, which is harmful to your health. So, let the experts find the leak.

Don’t try to fix the leak

DIY gas leak repairs are very risky, so only professionals should repair gas leaks.

Don’t use electronics in the house

Using electricity near a natural gas leak can create a spark that ignites the gas. So, refrain from operating cell phones, telephones, light switches, or electronic devices with batteries until you are far from the premises.

Don’t use matches or lighters

Open flames can also ignite the leaked gas. And if accumulated natural gas explodes, it can level a house.

Symptoms of Exposure to a Natural Gas Leak

If you don’t respond quickly and effectively to a natural gas leak, your body could suffer. Breathing natural gas deprives you of oxygen, which is never good. And the longer you’re exposed to natural gas, the more incapacitated you will be.

The physical symptoms of natural gas exposure are similar to those of carbon monoxide exposure. What’s more, the symptoms of exposure to natural gas will vary according to how much gas you’re exposed to and for how long. But they include:

• Blurred vision

• Chest pains

• Confusion and trouble concentrating

• Dizziness

• Fatigue

• Headaches, sometimes severe

• Irregular breathing

• Loss of consciousness

• Memory problems

• Suffocation

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, contact a healthcare professional immediately.

Safeguarding Against a Natural Gas Leak

You don’t want to take any chances with natural gas leaks. So, you should turn to gas piping services from Hatz Plumbing. Our professional plumbers are trained and certified to repair, replace, and install natural gas lines. With our help, your gas piping system will run smoothly and safely for years. You’ll have nothing to fear, so you can simply enjoy the benefits of natural gas. To get help with your gas piping right away, contact Hatz!