3 Things To Know About Natural Gas and Your Home

10/19/2018 (Permalink)

Your fire department in Palm Bay,FL can locate and turn off the gas source

A gas fire can be a scary thing in Palm Bay, FL. Between the destructive nature of a fire and the potential for a gas explosion, many homeowners worry about what to do when they smell gas. The following information may help.

Know What To Do If You Smell Gas

In the event you smell natural gas there are several safety steps you can follow:

• Check your stove and ensure all burners are completely off
• Open your doors and windows to ventilate your home
• Use a flashlight to see
• Keep all your electrical appliances off
• Get out of your home and call the fire department
• If safe to do so, turn off your gas meter

Know Where Your Meter is Located

One way to help prevent a gas fire or explosion is to turn off the gas flow to your home. Gas meters are typically located outside the home. This allows the gas to be safely turned off when needed. In most cases, a wrench is all that is necessary for proper closure. Knowing where your meter is and how it works can allow you to turn your gas off yourself in a non-emergency situation, so the source of the gas smell can be safely investigated.

Know Who To Call in an Emergency

In the event your home does have a fire from gas, or even if you just smell gas and can’t locate the source, it’s best to get everyone out and call 911. Your local fire department can often locate and turn off the gas source, or put the fire out safely, hopefully before an explosion occurs. Once the fire is out, you can call a fire damage professional for any cleanup and repair needs.

Knowing what to do if you smell gas can help you prevent a gas fire from happening in your home. Remember to follow the above safety steps and call your Palm Bay, FL, fire department for help.