Keeping Your Home Safe

When it comes to home safety, your mind probably goes to smoke detectors, shelter from severe weather, and protection against burglary. Two less-common hazards that exist in practically every home are gas and carbon monoxide leaks. Unless your home is 100% electric, you will have some type of appliance, such as a stove or furnace that runs on natural gas. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless odorless gas that is formed when fuels containing carbon do not completely combust. Known as the “silent killer” carbon monoxide smothers the oxygen cells in your bloodstream. The scary thing is that there is no warning. Gas leaks are easier to detect because a chemical called mercaptan is added to natural gas to give it that distinctive “rotten egg” odor.

Some physical symptoms of carbon monoxide and natural gas poisoning include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Convulsions
• Coma

With a natural gas leak, you have more warning signs.

• Dying plants
• Bubbles in your yard that could indicate a leaking gas line
• Hissing sound from appliances or pipes
• The tell-tale “rotten egg” smell
• Unexplained spike in energy bills

If you suspect a gas or carbon monoxide leak, evacuate your home of all people and pets immediately and call either 911 or your local natural gas company. When leaving your home, do not turn on/off any lights, turn on any appliances or open any windows. Once you get to fresh air, you will start to feel better, but it is wise to have EMS evaluate your condition. When it is safe to do so, a representative from your local natural gas provider will locate the source of the leak, shut off the faulty appliance, and turn off your gas. Once the levels of CO or gas in your home are at zero, you will be allowed back inside, and when the appliance is repaired, the gas will be restored.

There are numerous causes of gas and carbon monoxide leaks (furnaces, fireplaces, stoves, water heaters), and your best defense is to install CO detectors throughout your home, preferably on each level of your house and near the bedrooms. You can also purchase units that monitor both carbon monoxide and natural gas. Combined with smoke detectors, your family will be well protected.

Atlas Butler Can Help Keep Your Home Safe

If you suspect problems with any gas-powered appliance or have concerns about gas and CO leaks in general, reach out to Atlas Butler at 1-800-FURNACE. One of our experienced plumbers will come to your home and perform an inspection to make sure that everything is in proper working order to keep you, and your family are safe.