After Silver Spring apartment explosion, how can you be sure your home is safe?
WASHINGTON (ABC7) — We might be days or weeks away from getting an official cause to the Silver Spring apartment explosion. The cause of is still being investigated, but out at the scene several residents told us they smelled gas in the apartment building in the days leading up to the disaster.
Natural gas is nothing to play with. A simple oversight could lead to a matter of life or death.
Especially around your home. Expert Kabir Shafik with All Plumbing, INC showed us what to watch out for.
"If you smell gas, even if it's just a little bit just get out," Shafik explained.
If you smell gas in your house the last thing you want to do is flip on the light, turn on the stove, or make a phone call while you're still inside the house, because the tiniest spark could cause a massive explosion.
“Don't try to fix it yourself,” Shafik added. “Don't try to save money. Don't try to be a hero. You can make the situation worse.”
Safeguarding your home is essential. Turn off gas lines if you're heading out of town.
It’s also important to know where your gas lines are.
"The homeowner wants to put up a family photo and they put a nail in the wall and they puncture[gas lines in the walls]."
Simple steps that can potentially save your life.
The key to safety is education. Especially kids. Make sure they know what gas smells like and make sure you have a plan in place to prevent the worst from happening.
If you have any questions about gas safety issues in your home you can contact All Plumbing, INC here.
Washington Gas officials say the best thing to do when you smell gas is to leave the location immediately and head somewhere safe to call 911 or the Washington Gas emergency leak line at (703) 750-1400.
