Gas Leaks

Natural gas leaks can be extremely dangerous—and because it’s naturally odorless, that familiar “rotten egg” scent is added to alert you as soon as possible about a gas leak. But there are some things that can make that warning smell weaker so you may not notice it quickly. • There is the danger of a spark causing a fire, of course, but natural gas poisoning is also possible if a gas leak goes undetected. Some of the symptoms include nosebleeds, headaches, chest pain, ringing in the ears, and dizziness. Pay attention to your pet’s behavior, too, as things like lethargy and vomiting may mean they have gas poisoning, too. • You should check all your gas appliances regularly to make sure the pilot lights are on (they should be blue with a yellow tip), and it’s not a bad idea to have your gas lines checked by a professional. In addition to your home’s smoke alarms, you might also want to install natural gas and carbon monoxide detectors to help with early alerts. • If you detect a leak, immediately open the windows, turn off electronic devices, and shut off the gas. Then call the gas company. Don’t go back inside until they say it’s safe to do so.