According to the 2013 Gas Incident Safety Report, one fatal gas incident happens every three years in Western Australia. Some major incidents have even resulted in multiple fatalities or critical injuries.
These statistics emphasize the need to raise awareness regarding the dangers of gas leaks. Luckily, professional gas and plumbing contractors are available to prevent further accidents from happening and minimize the risk if they do.
Indeed, getting the contact details of an emergency plumber Perth residents’ trust is vital for effectively dealing with gas leaks. But while help is on the way, it’s good to know the prescribed safety procedures to manage the incident on your own.
With that in mind, here’s a couple of steps you can take when dealing with gas leaks in your home.
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Stay Calm
Upon detecting a gas leak, the first thing to do is to stay calm and keep a level head. Panicking will just hinder you from thinking clearly and from taking the next steps to ensure everyone’s safety.
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Evacuate Everyone
Most people believe that looking for the source of the gas leak is the right thing to do. However, you should keep in mind that only licensed professionals have the knowledge and authority to manage and repair gas lines, meters, and the like. And even if you detect the source of the leak, you may not have the tools or training to fix it. So if you smell gas within your property, the best thing to do is immediately evacuate everyone.
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Eliminate Sources of Ignition
If a gas leak occurs without a source of ignition, it is unlikely to cause a fire. Thus, items such as cigarettes, matches, and lighters must be kept as far away from gas sources as possible.
If a gas leak is detected, immediately turn off all electrical appliances and mobile phones. Better yet, turn off all the power by shutting down the electricity box. If possible, try to cut off the gas supply by turning off the meter or gas cylinder.
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Improve House Ventilation
Avoid letting the gas build-up within any confined spaces in your home, as this may result in an explosion when exposed to even the tiniest spark or flame. After everyone has been evacuated to a safer location, open up your home’s doors and windows to improve ventilation. This will allow the leaking gas to disperse and become harder to ignite, lowering the risk of fire.
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Contact Your Plumbing Contractor Immediately
As soon as you’re able, the most important step to remember is to contact a professional trained to deal with exactly this type of problem. And if there’s anyone capable of handling a gas leak, it’s your local gas-certified plumbing contractor. So make sure to give your contractor a call to report the leakage since they prioritize urgent situations. Before you know it, a plumber will be quickly dispatched to address your concerns.
Aside from dealing with urgent situations, plumbing contractors can offer many additional services to prevent gas leakages in the future. Most of them offer service maintenance for your pipes and fittings to ensure they are in good working order. Also, you don’t have to worry about faulty work or fraudulent schemes. This is because plumbing services only employ professionals who are licensed and insured.
Undeniably, gas leak incidents can be horrifying. After all, they have the potential to devastate your property and put lives in danger. Nonetheless, keeping a level head will get you through the situation safely. All you have to do is follow the steps above and let your plumber take care of the rest.
