Owning a home comes with great responsibility. Do you know what to do if you suspect a gas leak? You should! A gas leak can be ultra-frightening because it can sometimes be difficult to detect which may lead to injury and even death. Therefore, it’s extra important to take immediate action if you suspect there is a gas leak in your home.
We’ve outlined some important points to detect and prevent a gas leak in the house to keep you and your family safe from harm:
• Do You Smell Rotten Eggs? Act immediately. What you’re catching is the scent of a gas leak and more than likely, this scent is NOT in your head. You and your family should stop what you’re doing, leave the building immediately and call your local gas company. Do you hear the hissing or whistling sound of gas escaping? Again, it’s crucial to follow the same steps as above: leave and call.
• Randomly Feel Light Headed, Nauseous or Dizzy? Try going outside and seeing if the fresh air clears up those ill feelings. There’s a possibility that it could have been caused by a gas leak in your home.
• If you have gas appliances, it’s incredibly important to ensure that they’ve been installed correctly and have proper ventilation systems. This will help prevent gas leaks that could affect you and your family’s safety. Keep the appliances clean and maintained and consider having inspections done by a qualified technician to ensure they’re in good working order.
• Install a gas detector. This will let you know if you have a gas leak so you can act immediately. Ensure you follow all instructions in regards to the location you should put the alarm in your home and how to keep it properly maintained. Every house should have one of these installed so the home’s members can exercise peace of mind and of course, be kept safe.
• Gas leaks can produce a poisonous gas called carbon monoxide (AKA: The silent killer). So much like a gas detector, it’s important to have a C0 alarm installed as well. Again, ensure that you follow ALL associated instructions as to where you should install it and how to properly check it for functionality.
When it comes to gas leaks, you can never be too safe. If you have questions or need advice on how to ensure your home is safe for your family, call Lloyd! There’s no obligation and he is more than happy to lend out his knowledge on home safety tips and of course, inspection services!
Need the C4U Eyes? Lloyd doesn’t break the rules for anyone and as a leading chief home inspector in BC, that means he follows industry requirements, government regulations and licensing codes of conduct to the letter. He offers unbiased, ethical and professional home inspections and building consultation services. Contact Lloyd from C4U Inspections today and he’ll be happy to help you out.
Serving the Okanagan Since 2005
