If you smell gas (a rotten egg smell), immediately evacuate the
building and call Atlanta
Gas Light Company 770/907-4231 in
Metro Atlanta or outside Metro Atlanta at 877/427-4321) or the
fire department from a neighbor's phone. Do not remain in the
building, use the telephone or light switches or try to find the source
of the leak.
Have at least one working carbon monoxide detector for each level of
your home.
Gas appliances should have a clear, steady blue flame. Small occasional
amounts of yellow and orange are normal. The only exception is a natural
gas fireplace designed to have yellow flames.
Never use a gas oven or range top as a space heater.
Never cover the temperature controls, air openings or vents of an appliance.
Keep range and oven burners clean. Never line the oven completely with
foil.
Never try to repair or install a gas appliance yourself. Never let a
home handy-person try to do the job for you.
Water can damage the internal safety mechanism in gas controls of an
appliance. If you suspect water damage, have a trained technician replace
them immediately.
Turn off gas fireplaces and space heaters before going to bed or leaving
home. They're not intended as a main source of heat.
Gas appliance connectors (the flexible, corrugated metal gas tubing)
should be checked by a qualified appliance service contractor periodically.
They can be hazardous due to deterioration, excessive movement, bending,
or corrosion. Connectors made 30-40 years ago may be risky.
Never attach electrical grounding wires to gas piping.
Set water heater thermostats to 125 degrees or lower to prevent scalding.
Keep the space around furnaces and water heaters clean and clear of build-up,
rags, newspapers and other debris.
Never store combustibles such as gasoline, aerosol cans, paints, solvents,
household cleaners, pool chemicals or similar products near any fuel burning
equipment.
Be cautious using products such as paint strippers, glues, rubber cement,
varnishes, turpentine, cleaning fluid and floor finishing products. They
give off vapors that can be ignited by any flame source such as a burner
pilot light. Vapors can also corrode metal vents and appliance combustion
chambers. Turn off all gas appliances when using these products and keep
the space well ventilated with exhaust fans or introduction of plenty of
fresh air.
Be aware of where gas (and other utility) lines are buried, especially
when working in your yard. Always call before you dig, 770/623-4344 in Metro
Atlanta or 800/282-7411 toll free.
