Natural gas leakage is a common problem in the US. You’d be surprised to know that most cities in the US are leaking methane at twice the rate believed previously. Most of these leaks occur at homes and businesses.

Here’s what you need to do when you smell a gas leak:

The Do’s

1. Prioritize your health and focus on the symptoms. If you feel lightheaded, dizzy, nauseous, or have difficulty breathing, go outside immediately.
   If you feel better out in the open air, a gas leak was definitely the cause. Other symptoms include fatigue, headaches, and skin blisters. If you feel unwell, visit your general physician and tell them about the gas leak.
2. Open up all the doors and windows immediately so fresh air can come in. This will allow the air to disperse.
3. Immediately reach out for the main valve and turn off the main gas supply. The main valve is usually near the meter. Make sure the area around the gas meter is free of debris.
4. For greater safety and avoid such instances in the future, make sure there is a carbon monoxide detector. Keep monitoring it every day to be wary of the changing CO levels in the house.
5. Evacuate the property immediately. Make sure the children, pets, and the elderly are the first ones to be moved out to a safe location. None of them should return till the area has been declared safe by the professionals.
6. Inform your neighbors if you think they could be affected too.
7. Call up your nearest gas line repair service and wait for them outside the property.

The Don’t’s

1. Don’t smoke, don’t try to burn a naked flame, and don’t light a match. Natural gas is highly combustible.
2. Don’t turn any electrical switches on or off. These could cause a spark.
3. Don’t use any electrical appliances, doorbells, and mobile phones if it’s not urgent.
4. Don’t go near the area where the smell is coming from.
5. Don’t attempt to solve the problem on your own. Call up the professionals immediately.

If you’re based in Arlington or Fort Worth, TX, the gas line repair experts at Pro Serve Plumbing can help fix the gas leak promptly and ensure your safety at the earliest.