FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, February 27, 2015

DCA Division of Fire Safety Offers Common Sense Gas Leak Precautions in the Wake of Stafford Township Natural Gas Explosion


 

Trenton, NJ – The DCA Division of Fire Safety, in response to the recent natural gas explosion in Stafford Township reminds all residents to review recommended safety precautions in the event of any gas leak. The Division also recognizes the quick action by local first responders that likely resulted in the lack of any civilian fatalities related to the incident in Stafford.

Natural gas is a colorless, odorless hydrocarbon with many residential and commercial uses. However the largest use is for residential home heating. Non-toxic, it is primarily composed of methane, but small amounts of nitrogen and carbon dioxide are part of its chemical signature. It is 100 percent combustible.

The most important thing to remember is that gas utilities add a substance to enable you to detect its presence. The additive gives it its telltale sulfur-like odor, similar to rotten eggs. In keeping with general precautions concerning you and your family's safety during the home heating season are these precautions in the event you detect the odor of gas in your home or outside.

If you are in your home and smell gas:

     

  • Put out all open flames immediately. Do not attempt to light any appliance such as a gas-fired water heater, stove, or home furnace.
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  • DO NOT touch electric switches, thermostats, appliance controls or electrical breaker panels.
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  • DO NOT use an automatic garage door opener.
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  • DO NOT start your automobile if it is in the garage or in close proximity to the home.
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  • If the odor is strong leave the premises on foot and dial 911 from a cellphone to report that you smell gas and your location.
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  • Without putting yourself in jeopardy do what you can to warn neighbors that you have detected a gas odor and have called 911.
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  • Call your local gas utility's 24-hour Gas Leak Hotline. New Jersey is served by Elizabethtown Gas, Public Service Electric and Gas, New Jersey Natural Gas and South Jersey Gas. Each publishes a number located on your customer bill to call in the case of an emergency.
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The winter heating season calls for other common sense precautions as well:

     

  • Home heating furnaces should be inspected at least once a year by a licensed professional.
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  • Chimneys and vents should be cleaned and cleared of any creosote by a qualified professional annually.
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  • Deposit fire place ashes in a sealed metal container away from the home.
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  • Use only dry, seasoned wood.
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  • Only use portable heaters with an auto shut-off or tip over switch.
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  • Keep children and pets at least three feet away.
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  • Plug them into a wall outlet only. NEVER an extension cord
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  • Smoke and CO Alarms tested and batteries changed at the time change (Sunday, March 8).
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  • Have and practice a family escape plan that features a minimum of two ways out.
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The Division of Fire Safety serves as the central fire service agency in the State. The Division is responsible for the development and enforcement of the State Uniform Fire Code, as well as engaging the public on community risk reduction strategies, assisting in fire department preparedness and conducting firefighter training programs.