Natural Gas Safety and Tips with Fortis BC

Our kids are at such a curious age, everything is what, where, when, and how. We have been putting their curiosity to good use and teaching them about safety. Recently we talked about natural gas safety

Today I partnered with FortisBC to bring awareness about natural gas safety and the importance of getting routine maintenance to reduce the chances of a natural gas leak, how to recognize a leak, and what to do if you suspect one.

First, let’s start with how to prepare and reduce the chances of a leak:

One of the best ways to practice natural gas safety is to get annual maintenance on all your natural gas appliances. FortisBC makes it so easy to find a licensed natural gas contractor through their Trade Ally network on their website. You can narrow your search by your region and city/town, customer type and the services and products you need.

We also have Carbon Monoxide detectors installed around the house to have the extra peace of mind.

NOW, how do you recognize a natural gas leak?

The biggest sign of a gas leak is the smell of Rotten Eggs or the sound of escaping gas.

Natural gas is odourless so small amounts of a chemical called mercaptan is added to natural gas so you can tell if there’s a leak.

Kids sure had a kick talking about rotten eggs.

If you do suspect a gas leak FortisBC’s website advises you do the following:

1. Stop what you’re doing.
2. Do not use your cellphone or landline, don’t smoke, light matches or operate electrical switches or create any other source of ignition.
3. Go outside. As you exit, leave the door open behind you as well as any windows that may already be open.
4. Call us. Once outside, call FortisBC’s 24-hour Emergency Line at 1-800-663-9911 or 911.

FortisBC has put together a great information page HERE on natural gas safety with more helpful information and videos on what to do if you smell “rotten eggs”.

I think it’s so important to teach yourself and start your children on good habits about proper house safety and to always be prepared. what to do in case of emergency. At a young age, it’s easy to make it fun.

You can never be too prepared!!