Gas Safety Information

Probably everyone has heard about the horrible gas explosion in Greenwood last week. Here is some timely gas safety information from Puget Sound Energy:

For gas safety information, visit http://pse.com/safety/NaturalGasSafety/Pages/Detect-a-Leak.aspx

For PSE claims, call 1-888-225-5773.

Gas Safety Tips

Who is responsible for the gas line to your home?  PSE is responsible for the gas line up to the meter. The customer is responsible for gas lines after the meter, except in rare instances where PSE installed the line and agreed to maintain it.

How often should people be checking their gas lines to inspect for a leak?  PSE educates our customers on how to detect a natural gas leak – smell, sound and sight – and steps to take if they do suspect a leak. You should keep your gas appliances in good repair to protect against gas leaks and prevent incomplete combustion, which can create carbon monoxide. And if you have an underground line on your side of the meter, you should inspect it periodically for signs of corrosion.

What should people do if they suspect a leak?  If you suspect that you have a natural gas leak, leave the area immediately and call PSE (at 1-888-225-5773) or 911. Don’t do anything that might create a spark, including flipping any switches. And don’t worry that it might be a false alarm. PSE will immediately dispatch a technician to check that your area is safe, at no charge.

Can people/business turn off the gas lines themselves or does that require PSE’s help? Customers can turn their gas off themselves at the meter, but PSE believes it’s safer to evacuate and call PSE or 911. If you do turn off the gas, you should not turn it on yourself. Only PSE should do that.