Gas leaks can pose a serious threat to families all over California. As a result, it’s imperative that you know the proper methods for detecting a gas leak to ensure you and your family remain safe. Certain sights, sounds and smells can give a clear indication of danger, and failing to recognize the common signs could end in tragedy if you don’t act accordingly.
That’s why the Southern California Gas Company urges its customers to know how to properly detect a gas leak if one is suspected. Gas odor is perhaps the most common way to detect a gas leak, as natural gas has a very distinct smell that is somewhat similar Sulphur. In the event you smell a strong natural gas odor, the most important thing to do is to immediately leave the area where the smell persists. Once you are a safe distance from the leak, you can then alert the authorities.
They also caution that some people’s sense of smell can be impaired, which may prevent them from being able to identify a possible gas leak via odor alone. This is true of people with certain medical conditions that may impact one’s sense of smell, as well as temporary health concerns such as the common cold. If you regularly use alcohol or smoke cigarettes, your sense of smell might also be affected. In this case, you’ll need to use other methods of detection.
For instance, a natural gas leak is often accompanied by a hissing or whistling noise. This noise can be detected at the gas line itself, or it can issue from an appliance that is powered by gas. There are also visual clues you can look out for. Visible damage to an exposed pipeline is cause for concern, as is debris being blown into the air due to escaping gas.
