Last Updated on January 28, 2022 by rida
Natural gas is a fossil energy source that is widely used across the United States. In 2020, the US used more than 30 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, which represents almost a third of the country’s total energy consumption. Natural gas is abundant, reliable, and more environmentally friendly than other types of fossil fuels.
In American homes, natural gas is used for heating, cooling, cooking, and much more. Safety is paramount when you are using gas in your home; it can be dangerous, so it must be respected. In this blog post, we will talk about gas safety and highlight top tips that you should follow to ensure both your and your family’s safety.
Table of Contents
Obtain a Gas Safety Certificate
You should receive this certificate when a Gas Safe registered engineer has carried out repairs or works at your property. The certificate confirms that your appliances can be safely used. You should update this certificate on a yearly basis to remain confident that your appliances are safe to continue using.
Book an Annual Boiler Service
An annual boil check will help to keep it operating efficiently and safely. Regular services help to minimize the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. They also help to keep your warranty intake, prolong the lifespan of your boiler, and catch any faults in your system before they become a problem.
Get a Carbon Monoxide Alarm
A carbon monoxide alarm will alert you when carbon monoxide is present, helping household occupants to escape from potentially lethal situations. Detectors can detect trace amounts of gas, meaning they will sound in time for you and your family to escape in the event of an incident.
Learn the signs of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
If your home uses gas, it’s important to be aware of the most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning. These are:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Upset stomach
- Weakness
- Chest pain
- Vomiting
- Confusion
As you can see, these symptoms are somewhat ‘flu-like. Breathing in excess carbon monoxide can cause people to lose consciousness and it can also be fatal.
Be Prepared In the Event of an Emergency
If you smell gas at your property, the first thing to do is open all windows and doors to aid ventilation. Then, turn off the emergency valve control, exit the property, and contact a natural gas emergency service.
Click here to learn about important questions to ask your local propane supplier.
Top Home Gas Safety Tips
Gas safety is essential to protect you and your family at home. While natural gas is incredibly useful and important to our lives, it must also be respected. The above gas safety tips are designed to protect against gas issues and ensure that you are prepared in the event of a gas emergency.
Like this blog post on residential gas safety? Be sure to check out our other informative articles on a wide range of interesting topics.
