What to do if exposed to natural gas?

Natural gas is one of the most commonly used energy sources worldwide. It heats homes, cooks food, and powers industries. But despite its many uses, natural gas can also be dangerous if not handled correctly.

If you ever find yourself exposed to natural gas for any reason, do not panic! Instead, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Detect The Leak

Natural gas has no odor or color. To make it easier to detect leaks of this potentially fatal substance, distributors add a chemical called mercaptan that smells like rotten eggs.

So when natural gas escapes from its pipeline or storage facility, you should smell it immediately. Some other signs of a possible leak include:

  • A hissing sound coming from your pipes
  • Dead grass or vegetation near pipelines
  • Visible bubbles in standing water around your property

Note: Even tiny leaks pose risks so always treat them seriously.

Step 2: Evacuate Your Area

The safety of everyone in and around the building should be top priority once you suspect you’re exposed/there’s a leak. Before anything else evacuation‘s prudent action to take any danger zone created by the escaping gasses until help arrives.
Avoid using electronic devices such as cellphones within earshot distance from where you escaped in order not cause ignition via sparks produced by the device.
You’ll want ensure all persons move away quickly without making delays attempting personal belongings recovery – every second counts with something as dangerous as leaking natural gases!

Step 3: Alert Others & Contact Emergency Services

Informing people nearby about an imminent danger increase their chances for survival along with yours especially if they need special care e.g elderly folks who are bedridden , children under two years old etc . Dial emergency services providing details on what happened including how long ago did it happen before exiting towards back-up location.

Always note down the physical location of the gas leak like house’s address incase you’ll need to pass it on later.

Step 4: Extinguish Flames and Avoid Spark Producing Activities

Extinguish any fire in surrounding areas that could ignite natural gases as flames need oxygen and this can trigger an explosion. Avoid walking through standing water while hoping to suppress possible ignition from gathering around electrical equipment or appliances, using lighters/cigarettes, turning ceiling fans or throwing switch.

Step 5: Ensure not Return to The Area Until it’s Safe

After evacuation is complete, make sure not go back unless instructed so by certified personnel; even if gas concentration seems weak this doesn’t mean danger is over since any naked flames within vicinity will cause a huge explosion!

SUMMARY:

  • Detect leaks immediately with a rotten egg odor.
  • Evacuate any area where there are signs of leaks fast without looking out for materials just move away.
  • Call emergency services once at safe spot.
  • Extinguish all fires before moving out of premises towards safer ground .
  • Never enter exposed zones until confirmation has been received from experts.

  • We recommend everyone takes time studying ways in which natural gas manifest itself when leaked for preventive measures. Stay informed!

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