Dominion Hope Offers Home Natural Gas Safety Tips
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on December 08, 2016
- DO NOT attempt to locate the natural gas leak.
- DO NOT remain in the house or building when there is a strong odor. Call Dominion Hope from a neighbor's house. Hope provides emergency service 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We consider it an emergency if customers smell an odor of gas or if none of their natural gas appliances are working. Call 1-800-688-4673.
- DO NOT turn any electrical switches, appliances or lights on or off, or unplug electrical appliances when there is a strong gas odor.
- DO NOT use telephones or cell phones in the area of a strong gas odor.
- DO NOT operate vehicles or power equipment where leaking gas may be present.
- DO NO smoke or use lighters, matches or other open flames.
- Customers may hear a hissing sound;
- See a steady stream of bubbles on the surface of puddles or ponds, or water or dirt being blown into the air;
- See dead grass or plants in an area where there is a gas line;
- To ensure maximum safety, efficiency and economy, Dominion Hope recommends an annual inspection by a qualified technician.
- Change the furnace monthly especially during the peak of the heating seasons.
- Customers should install fire detectors on each floor of their home and, if applicable, change the batteries every six months.
- For added protection, consider the installation of carbon monoxide detectors.
- Keep combustible materials away from furnaces, water heaters, ranges or other appliances.
- Clean dirt and dust from underneath and around appliances, for maximum safety and efficiency.
- Don't tamper with or obstruct the gas meter, whether it's located inside or outside the home. Also, never use a gas meter as hanger, a bike post or for any other purpose.
- House numbers should be posted clearly on the home or mailbox. Obscured or missing house numbers can cause a delay in locating a home during an emergency.