Puget Sound Energy advises customers to act quickly if they sense a rotten-egg smell or see telltale signs of a leak.
An explosion early Wednesday in Seattle’s Greenwood neighborhood appears to have resulted from a natural-gas leak.
Puget Sound Energy advises customers on its website to act quickly when a natural-gas leak is suspected, starting with leaving the area.
Leaks often reveal themselves through telltale smells and sights. Here’s what to look for, according to PSE:
• Rotten-egg smell. Gas in its natural state has no odor, but PSE adds a sulfuric smell so it’s detectable. If you’re not familiar with the smell, order a gas-safety brochure from PSE (888-225-5773) with a scratch-and-sniff feature.
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• Hissing sound. If a gas line has a large perforation, this can become a very loud roaring sound.
• Bubbles rising or dust blowing up from the ground.
• Dead or dying vegetation in unexpected sites.
Here’s what to do if you suspect a gas leak:
• Leave the vicinity immediately. If you’re indoors, go outside.
• Once you have left the area, call 911 or PSE at 888-225-5773. PSE will dispatch a technician to check the area at no cost.
• Avoid doing anything near the suspected leak that could cause a spark, including flipping a switch.