The Dangers of Gas Leaks and How to Detect Them

4/17/2024 (Permalink)

In this blog, we will explore the dangers of gas leaks and discuss effective methods for detecting them.

Gas leaks pose a significant risk to both residential and commercial properties. A gas leak can lead to devastating gas fires, causing extensive damage, potential injuries, and even loss of life. Detecting gas leaks early is crucial in preventing these hazardous situations. In this blog, we will explore the dangers of gas leaks and discuss effective methods for detecting them. By understanding the risks and knowing how to identify gas leaks, you can take the necessary steps to protect your property and minimize the potential for gas fires.

The Dangers of Gas Leaks

Gas Fires

A gas leak can quickly escalate into a gas fire when exposed to an ignition source. Gas fires are highly destructive and can spread rapidly, engulfing a property within minutes. The intense heat and flames from these fires can cause extensive damage to structures, possessions, and essential infrastructure, making fire damage restoration a complex and costly process.

Explosion Hazards

When gas leaks accumulate in confined spaces, the risk of explosion increases significantly. An explosion caused by a gas leak can result in catastrophic consequences, causing severe damage to the property and endangering the lives of people in the vicinity. The force of the explosion can lead to structural collapse, making the property uninhabitable and necessitating extensive fire remediation efforts.

Detecting Gas Leaks

Pay Attention to the Smell

Natural gas has a distinct odor, often described as a "rotten egg" or sulfur-like smell. Gas companies add a chemical called mercaptan to natural gas, which gives it this noticeable odor. If you smell gas in your property, it may indicate a gas leak. Promptly turn off the gas supply and contact your gas provider for immediate assistance.

Listen for Unusual Sounds

Gas leaks can sometimes produce hissing or whistling sounds. If you notice unusual sounds near gas appliances, gas lines, or meters, it may indicate a gas leak. Be attentive and don't ignore any unexpected noises related to your gas supply.

Monitor Gas Bills

Unexplained increases in gas bills can be an indication of a gas leak. If your gas consumption remains consistent but your bills are significantly higher than usual, it's worth investigating further. A gas leak could be causing gas to escape from your system, resulting in increased gas usage and costs.

Use a Gas Leak Detector

Gas leak detectors are portable devices specifically designed to detect and locate gas leaks. These handheld devices use sensors to detect the presence of gas in the air. When using a gas leak detector, follow the manufacturer's instructions and prioritize safety at all times.

Install Gas Leak Alarms

Gas leak alarms are similar to smoke alarms and can provide an additional layer of protection and early warning in case of a gas leak. These alarms are equipped with sensors that detect gas and emit a loud siren or alarm sound to alert occupants of the property. Install gas leak alarms near gas appliances, water heaters, and other potential sources of leaks.

Response to Gas Leaks

If you suspect a gas leak in your property, follow these steps:

Evacuate Safely

If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, evacuate the property immediately. Ensure everyone leaves the premises promptly and gathers at a safe location outside, away from potential sources of ignition.

Call Emergency Services

Contact emergency services from a safe location. Inform them about the suspected gas leak and provide accurate information about the location of the property. They will be able to take appropriate action and coordinate efforts to address the gas leak promptly.

Engage Professional Fire Damage Restoration Services

After a gas leak incident, it is essential to engage the services of professional fire damage restoration experts like SERVPRO®. Fire damage restoration specialists possess the expertise, experience, and equipment to assess the property, mitigate any lingering risks, and restore it to its pre-incident condition safely and efficiently.

Detecting gas leaks early is crucial in preventing gas fires and potential explosions. By recognizing the dangers associated with gas leaks and knowing how to detect them through smell, and sound, monitoring gas bills, using gas leak detectors, and installing gas leak alarms,

Smoke and Soot Cleanup

2/28/2018 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Lewiston-Auburn will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 207-783-2500

Smoke and Soot Cleanup

2/2/2018 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Lewiston-Auburn will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (207) 783-2500

SERVPRO is “Ready for whatever happens.” YOU CAN BE TOO THIS SUMMER

7/5/2017 (Permalink)

Each year, families and friends across the country enjoy the summer months with barbecues, camping trips, or by cooking off in a pool or lake. To enjoy these occasions, it is important to keep safety top of mind to ensure you have fun in the sun.

According to recent study by the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission, nearly 11,900 Americans were injured by fireworks in 2015, with the majority happening in the month surrounding the Fourth of July. Another 8,700 are injured by charcoal/wood-burning and propane grill fires. A grill should always be supervised when in use. Keep children and pets a safe distance from the grilling area to prevent accidental burns or tipping the grill.

Grills also cause an average of 8,900 home structure or outdoor fires. :These fires caused an annual average of 50 civilian injuries and $2 million in direct property damage,” according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

If you enjoy lounging by the pool or going for a boat ride to cool off from the summer sun, make sure you exercise caution, especially when children are present. Only swim in approved areas and supervise children at all times when near the water.

The summer season should be a time to make memories and enjoy the great outdoors. Don’t become a statistic. Take precautions to prevent these events from putting a damper on your summer months!

Can you escape a fire in less than 2 minutes?

2/21/2017 (Permalink)

Every second counts during a fire. Fire experts agree, people have as little as two minutes to escape a burning home before it’s too late to get out. * In a matter of moments, a small flame can become a major fire, making it critical to be prepared and have an escape plan in place. A survey conducted by the American Red Cross shows only 26 percent of families have developed and practiced a home escape plan. Once a plan is developed, it is critical everyone in the home understands the plan; the best way to do this is by practicing the escape plan at least twice a year. Increase your chance of surviving a fire by ensuring you have working smoke detectors in place, building an escape plan, and then practicing the escape plan. The following are a few suggestions to help you develop an emergency escape plan.

• Draw a map of each level of your home and show all doors and windows. Find two ways to get out of each room. Make sure all doors and windows that lead outside open easily.
• Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second and third floors. Only purchase collapsible escape ladders evaluated by a recognized testing laboratory. Store them near the window where they will be used.
• Choose an outside meeting place a safe distance in front of your home where everyone can meet after they’ve escaped. Make sure to mark the location of the meeting place on your escape plan.
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them. Plan for everyone in your home with special considerations for elderly or disabled individuals.
• Practice your fire escape plan during the day and at nighttime.

Escape Planning for your Business

An emergency escape plan is not required for all businesses, however, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends building an emergency action plan to protect yourself, your employees, and your business during an emergency. OSHA suggest the following steps when developing such a plan.

• Organize an Emergency Preparedness Procedure review with employees to review your company’s emergency plans.
• Once a plan is developed, post evacuation procedures including routes and exits, where they are easily accessible to all employees. Ensure all exits and routes are clearly marked and well lit, wide enough to accommodate the number of evacuating personnel and unobstructed and clear of debris at all times.
• Conduct office evacuation exercises and drills. Designate a safe spot outside of all the facility where employees can regroup, recover and conduct a head count. Once completed, evaluate how well the plan worked and if additional training or exercises are needed.

Tips provided by the National Fire Protection Association and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

The DO's & DON'T's after a fire

2/21/2017 (Permalink)

A fire can leave behind soot, smoke damage and a host of other problems. Ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting, and floors will often need a thorough professional cleaning. If you home or business suffers a fire, it is important to take the appropriate steps to prevent further damage until SERVPRO of Lewiston Auburn arrives. The following tips may help reduce damage and increase chances of a successful restoration.

DO:

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpet.
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil, upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer/refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor.
• Wipe soot from chrome kitchen/bathroom faucets, trim and appliances, then protect these surfaces with a light coating of lubricant.
• If heat is off during winter, pour RV antifreeze in sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks and tubs to avoid freezing pipes and fixtures.
• Change HVAC filters; leave system off until a trained professional can check the system.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of HVAC system.

DON’T:

• Don’t attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting a SERVPRO Franchise Professional.
• Don’t attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting your SERVPRO Franchise Professional.
• Do not attempt to clean any electrical appliances (TV sets, radios, etc.) that may have been close to fire, heat or water without first consulting an authorized repair service.
• DO not consume any food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water, as they may be contaminated.
• If ceiling is wet, do not turn on ceiling fans. Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock, and air movement may create secondary damage.
• Don’t send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set in smoke odor.

Any concerns PLEASE contact SERVPRO at 207-783-2500.

Lewiston Auburn Smoke and Soot Cleanup

1/25/2017 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Lewiston Auburn will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – 207-783-2500