Gas leaks can be destructive. Here are the signs and how you can help prevent them
If you smell an unexplained gas odor in your home, take that as your cue to get out. The egg-like smell could be a sign of a gas leak.
The Kansas City area has experienced multiple destructive gas-related incidents in the last few days.
An Independence house exploded Monday evening after a gas line broke after being struck, according to the Independence Police Department.
A Clay County couple and their dog were killed Friday morning when a gas leak caused their home to explode outside of Excelsior Springs. The blast was felt from miles around.
To help you avoid a gas leak and detect if one is happening, Craig Hoeferlin, Spire’s vice president of operations services and safety management systems, shared advice for staying safe around gas.
How can I help prevent a gas leak?
Hoeferlin said leaving your gas meter alone is the best course of action. Avoid bumping or jostling your outdoor gas meter and don’t hang items on pipes going to your furnace.
While Spire inspects gas meters and lines in the street, they are not responsible for pipes on private property. Hoeferlin said to reach out to Spire or an HVAC contractor if you have questions or concerns about hardware on your property.
What are the signs of a gas leak?
While natural gas is odorless and colorless, there are ways to detect it. If you notice one or more of these signs and can’t find the cause, you might have a gas leak, according to Hoeferlin:
A rotten egg smell, evidence of a gas additive
Hissing or whistling sounds
Bubbling water, blowing dust, dead vegetation
What should I do if I suspect I have a gas leak?
Act quickly if there might be a leak in your area. Hoeferlin said people should evacuate and warn others while moving outdoors, away from the suspected leak. On your way out, don’t bother turning off the TV or lights. Hoeferlin said this could create a dangerous spark and ignite the gas. Once you have evacuated, call 911 and your gas company’s emergency number.
Here are the emergency phone numbers for Missouri and Kansas.
Spire: 800-582-1234
Kansas Gas Service: 888-482-4950
Atmos Energy: 866-322-8667
Have more questions about safety in the Kansas City area? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.
This story was originally published August 28, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
