Buzz
Smell gas in your kitchen? Here's how to respond in those crucial first minutes. This article is tailored to gas supplies and appliances in the United States.
Procedures
Swift evaluation
Assess the risk. Prioritize safety above all else, ensuring the immediate evacuation of individuals. Take these initial steps:
- If breathing becomes difficult or the gas odor intensifies, or if you hear a loud gas release, vacate the kitchen and evacuate the building with all occupants.
- Avoid activating light switches or any electrical appliances in or near the kitchen. Refrain from using matches or open flames. Abstain from using the restroom, as it can exacerbate the gas leakage. Do not smoke.
- Familiarize yourself with gas leak indicators, such as a strong 'rotten egg' smell, hissing or whistling sounds, and unusual vegetation patterns.
Contact emergency services immediately. Utilize a neighbor's phone for urgent assistance. Avoid using phones inside your home and refrain from using cell phones or portable phones indoors if a gas leak is suspected. If necessary, use a cell phone outside at a neighbor's residence.
Ventilate the area by opening doors and windows. Only take this action if you can breathe comfortably and the gas odor is not overwhelming, and there are no audible signs of gas leakage.
If you're capable, shut off the gas supply at the meter or main box.
- Wait for instructions from the gas company before restoring the gas supply.
Inspecting Potential Sources
If you can breathe comfortably and the gas odor is not overwhelming, and there are no audible signs of gas leakage, conduct the following examinations as appropriate.
Inspect the stove burners. If you can breathe comfortably and there's no strong gas odor or audible gas leaks, check the stove for burners left on without igniting. Ensure all knobs are turned off.
Examine the oven. Locate the oven control knob, ensuring it's in the off position. If it's a modern oven with electronic controls, press the off or cancel button to deactivate the gas.
Verify the clothes dryer. Some dryers operate on gas. If so, turn the control knob to off or press the off button. If it's unclear whether the dryer uses gas, refrain from using the controls.
Check if the pilot light on your boiler is extinguished. This is a common cause of gas odors.
Arranging Gas Leak Repairs
Reach out to the gas company. Most propane and natural gas suppliers offer gas leak detection services for residences. While they won't handle repairs, they'll pinpoint the source of the leak.
Arrange for leak repairs. Gas leaks, no matter how small, require professional attention. Always seek assistance from the gas company to locate the leak and hire a skilled technician for repairs.
Insights
- When gas service is restored to a residence, all pilot lights must be relit. Pilot lights are common in older gas appliances like water heaters and furnaces.
- Most gas leaks stem from appliances left in unsafe conditions, such as burners left on without ignition or improper gas connections during appliance relocation.
- Poor installation of new appliances ranks as the third most common cause of gas leaks.
Cautions
- Ensure safety for all. Natural gas and propane pose explosion risks, capable of devastating buildings upon ignition. Even a simple action like flicking a light switch can trigger an explosion. If uncertain about the severity of the gas leak, evacuate all occupants immediately. Once everyone is safely accounted for, seek assistance from the gas company or dial 911. Avoid calling from within proximity to the kitchen; it's preferable to use a neighbor's phone.
- If experiencing difficulty breathing, detecting a strong gas odor, or hearing gas escaping, contact 911 using a neighbor's phone.
