A gas leak in your building can be extremely dangerous because it puts deadly carbon monoxide into the air. It’s not something you can ignore or that will go away on its own. A lot of people know to take this kind of situation seriously, but they might not be sure what specific steps to take. If you smell gas in your building, here’s what you can do to protect yourself and get the problem corrected quickly.
Don’t Stay in a Building With a Gas Leak
The first thing you should do if you suspect a gas leak in your building is evacuate it. You and anyone else inside should leave immediately. If you don’t, you could be risking your life. Opening the windows can help, but it’s not enough to keep you safe. Especially if the gas smell is strong, you already have a headache from it, or you’re feeling dizzy or sleepy, it’s important to get out immediately.
The smell isn’t actually the gas itself, which is odorless. It’s a chemical the gas company adds to the gas to help protect people when there’s a leak. That way, you’re more likely to notice the problem so that you can get safely out of the space. Take your pets with you, and help anyone who needs extra assistance to get out of the building safely. Getting out is the most critical first step, whether it’s a residential or commercial space. You may also want to seek medical attention.
Get in Touch With the Gas Company
Once you’re out of the building, it’s time to contact the gas company that services it. They need to know that a leak is suspected so they can come out and check. They’ll shut off the gas, too, so there won’t be any further danger. You’ll need to air out the building before staying inside, though, even with the gas turned off. It could have built up inside for a while and could still be in a high enough concentration to cause harm. It’s best to stay somewhere else, at least for a few hours.
Choose a Contractor to Repair the Gas Line
Before you can have the company restore service to your building, you’ll need a gas line repair contractor who can seal the leak and ensure that the line is properly repaired. While the contractor is there, ask them to also inspect the rest of the gas line and ensure its safety. They can spot other problems and take care of them simultaneously, adding to your peace of mind and helping protect you and anyone else in the building from future issues.
Install a Carbon Monoxide Detector
A carbon monoxide detector is the right choice for a preventative measure. These can be easily installed, and they’ll let you know if they detect too much carbon monoxide in the air in the event of another gas leak. Don’t put them near the ceiling like a smoke detector. They should be lower to the ground because carbon monoxide is heavy. This will help catch the problem before it becomes as dangerous to the occupants, and that gives you time to safely evacuate. Along with installing these alarms, it’s important to ensure everyone in the building knows what to do if their alarm goes off or they smell gas again.
Have Your Building’s Gas Lines Checked at Regular Intervals
It’s a good idea to have the gas lines and any appliances connected to them checked at regular intervals. That can help you feel more secure and can also make it easier to find small problems before they become more extensive. Especially if the appliances are older, there’s a chance they could start to leak or fail over time. Discovering that early is an excellent way to get it corrected before it puts lives at risk. While there’s no reason to be fearful around gas, it’s very important to understand the risks it can pose so you can make the right choice to keep you and others in the building safe from harm.
