Friday December, 6 2024

Nature: Gas Leak Incidents

1.  Alarm @ 12:42 p.

Location: 32595 West Albemarle Ct Captains Grant, DE 19966

2. Alarm@ 14:04

Location: 26277 Lakeshore Blvd Pot Nets Lakeside, DE 19966

 

On Friday, December 6^th, the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company was alerted for numerous gas leak incident throughout the day which included the following incidents:

1. West Albemarle Court in the Captain Grants development off Oak Orchard Road.

Emergency response units from Indian River included Tanker 80 from the Long Neck facility as well as the Delaware State Fire Police.

Emergency response crew assignments included evaluation of the surrounding properties in search of a propane odor in the immediate vicinity of the designated residence with no success.

It was reported that to be a heavy odor of gas near her property, possibility from behind her residence, or surrounding properties.  An exterior evaluation of all immediate parcels, lp gas tanks, and generators with success.

The incident was marked unfounded with good intent with all apparatus returning.

2. Lakeshore Blvd in the Pot Nets Lakeside development off Long Neck Road.

Emergency response units from Indian River included Tanker 80 from the Long Neck facility as well as the Delaware State Fire Police.

Emergency response crew assignments included evaluation of the surrounding properties in search of a propane odor in the immediate vicinity of the designated residence with no success.

It was reported that to be an odor of gas near her property.  An exterior evaluation of all immediate parcel identified that a local propane was being conducted nearby which resulted in the odor.  There were no gas meter reading inside the residence.

The incident was marked with good intent with all apparatus returning.

Should you ever experience a gas leak, you’ll quickly find out that propane has a very unpleasant smell. One moment, you are relaxing with your family and watching TV, when all the sudden you notice the distinct smell of rotten eggs. This smell is a warning signal that your propane may be leaking into your home or business.

Steps to Take If You Smell Propane

Gas leaks, as rare as they are, always have a chance of occurring. They can happen as the result of damage during construction, faulty appliances, and leaky or cracked pipes. Allowing your tank(s) to run out of gas can also create the potential for a gas leak to happen. Tampering with propane equipment or appliances, modifying or repairing valves, and generally messing around with your propane tank or distribution system are other potential causes of gas leaks.

Propane has a strong, unpleasant scent reminiscent of rotten eggs or skunk spray. In its natural state, propane gas is odorless. Propane manufacturers intentionally add Ethyl Mercaptan to propane specifically to produce the smell of rotten eggs. This is so the customer will become alerted to any gas leaks almost as soon as they happen.

Should you smell rotten eggs or suspect a gas leak, immediately contact us the Sussex County Emergency Operations Center at 9-1-1 to report a gas leak.

What to Do If You Smell Propane Gas

Should you notice a propane smell in your house or near your tank(s), follow these guidelines to ensure your own safety and that of others.

• No Flames or Sparks – Immediately put out all smoking material and other open flames. Do not operate lights, telephones, or cell phones.

• Leave the Area Immediately – Get everyone out of the structure or area where you suspect gas is leaking.

• Shut Off Gas – Turn off the gas supply valve on your tank if it is safe to do so. To close the valve, turn it to the right (clockwise).

• Report the Leak – Your safety is our priority. Go to a neighbor’s home or nearby building away from the gas leak. Once you are at a safe location, call 9-1-1 to report the leak.

• Do Not Return to the Structure or Area – Stay away from the source of the leak until a service technician or fire service personnel determine that it is safe to return.

• Get Your System Checked – Before you attempt to use any of your propane appliances - check your entire system to ensure that it is leak-free.