PGW PROMOTES NATURAL GAS SAFETY TIPS THROUGHOUT NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH
Posted on: Sep 18, 2023PHILADELPHIA (September 18, 2023) – Acting on the theme of this September’s National Preparedness Month, “Take Control in 1, 2, 3,” Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) offers the following three natural gas safety tips that every Philadelphia resident can use to stay prepared: how to report gas odors, how to safely operate natural gas appliances, and where to install and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
If you smell gas
PGW urges anyone who smells gas to leave the area immediately and call PGW’s 24/7 emergency hotline at 215-235-1212. Although natural gas is odorless, PGW adds mercaptan to natural gas that produces a rotten egg smell that is easily recognizable.
When customers report possible gas odors, PGW responds immediately (arriving on location in less than an hour) to measure the amount of gas present in the atmosphere, assess the situation, perform safety checks, establish a safety perimeter, and take necessary action to mitigate the situation, if needed. If evacuations are necessary, occupants may only return to the building or to the area once a PGW employee or a qualified utility professional says it is safe.
Use natural gas appliances safely
PGW reminds residents of the importance of operating natural gas appliances safely and efficiently, inspecting them regularly, and clearing potential hazards near appliances. It’s important to note that PGW’s control of natural gas lines ends at the customer’s gas meter. Anything beyond the meter outlet belongs to the property owner, who is responsible for maintaining the condition of inside piping and appliances.
To ensure safety, professionals should always be hired to install and maintain natural gas equipment, such as the qualified technicians available through PGW’s Parts and Labor Plan (PLP). The plan offers several coverage packages for repairs, inspections, and maintenance costs, including the “Check and Adjust” option under a PLP heater plan. “Check and Adjust” provides a tune-up of furnaces or boilers and a visual inspection of natural gas heating equipment to advise customers of potential issues.
PGW advises residents not to store flammable liquids near their furnace or gas water heater; to check vents, flues, and chimneys regularly for blockages; and to never use a stove or oven as a heating source.
Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
PGW recommends that residents install carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in their homes and replace the batteries twice a year.
CO is an odorless, tasteless, dangerous gas produced when heating systems are not working correctly and could cause severe sickness and even death. Anyone who suspects carbon monoxide poisoning should call 911 or seek emergency medical help immediately.
Residents are also advised to place one smoke alarm on each floor of their home, including the basement. Philadelphia residents may request smoke alarms through Philly311 (via the app or by phone), which can be installed by the Philadelphia Fire Department.
In the spirit of this National Preparedness Month – which focuses on older adults – PGW invites customers to share these safety tips with family and friends, particularly with elderly loved ones, who may be living alone, have disabilities, or other challenges.
For more information on natural gas safety, visit pgworks.com/emergencies.
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