Keys to Natural Gas Safety

Leaking natural gas is dangerous. It can be deadly to breathe. Also, it can cause a fire or explosion. A natural gas leak is indicated by the strong smell of rotten eggs (the chemical ethyl mercaptan, which is added to natural gas). Here are some safety rules to follow if you smell natural gas:

Do

  • Exit the building immediately.
  • Leave the door open on the way out.
  • Go to another place and call Hastings Utilities at 463-1371.
  • Stay away until someone from Hastings Utilities or the Fire Dept. says it's safe to return.

Don't

  • Operate anything electrical or light a flame.
  • Turn on the lights.
  • Use the telephone.
  • Turn on a flashlight.
  • Open an automatic garage door.

Gas-heated Hot Water

Gas makes an excellent choice for heating your home’s water. But if water gets too hot, it can scald you or a member of your household, causing serious injuries. This is particularly a concern if you have young children. Always set your water heater to the manufacturer’s specifications, usually 110 to 120 degrees.

Flexible Gas Connectors

When was the last time you thought about the connector that joins your natural gas appliance to the natural gas line?

Flexible Gas Connectors are corrugated metal tubes used to attach gas appliances to the natural gas pipes in a home or building. Older flexible connectors made of uncoated brass can weaken or crack over time, which could lead to a dangerous gas leak. Any uncoated brass gas appliance connector should be replaced immediately with a new stainless steel connector.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, these uncoated flexible gas connectors have not been made for more than 25 years, but many are still in use in older appliances.

Follow these Guidelines to keep your family and home safe from a gas leak:

  • Avoid moving natural gas appliances – stressing connectors can cause  them to crack or fail.
  • Do not move your natural gas appliances to check the connectors yourself.
  • Only a qualified professional plumber, HVAC technician or appliance repair contractor, should check your connector and replace it.
  • Connectors should be certified by the American Gas Association and be manufactured in accordance with the American National Standards Institute.

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