Identifying Hidden Dangers Helps Homeowners Increase Safety
Earthquake & Gas Line Disruption Risks
Is your home in a danger zone? Southern California's earthquake risk makes this a real question for South Bay homeowners, and it is not limited to older houses. If your home is served by a natural gas line, whether in Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, or up on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, ground movement from seismic activity or from the hillside soil shifting common to parts of Palos Verdes can damage those lines. Natural gas itself is an efficient, dependable energy source that powers home heating and other appliances, and in most cases the lines running to it stay secure. Homeowners should still know the basics of natural gas safety and what to do if a disruption happens.
Recognize the Signs of Natural Gas Disruption
There are three primary ways that homeowners notice natural gas leaks – by smell, by sight, and by sound. Here are the signs you should know about:
Smell: In its original state, natural gas is odorless. When it is processed for distribution to homes and businesses, a distinctive scent is added to natural gas to make it instantly noticeable.
Sight: When leaks occur outdoors, pressurized gas will create puffs of dust, dry grass, or fallen leaves. If a small wind appears to be blowing but no breeze is present, you might have discovered a gas leak.
Sound: Sometimes outdoor leaks can be detected by a slight hissing sound. The hissing is likely to be a steady, constant sound. You might find it coming from an area near the foundations of your home.
Responding to a Possible Gas Leak
If you suspect a gas leak in your home or yard, call the gas company right away to report a possible line disruption. Move pets and family members out of the home until the leak has been investigated. A technician will use a gas line map to precisely locate the gas lines serving your home.
Be Gas Aware
Natural gas is a valuable power source, but earthquakes and shifting hillside soil can disrupt even well-built South Bay and Palos Verdes homes. Talk with your family about the signs of a possible leak so everyone knows what to do. At Levine Homes Real Estate & Construction, we look at this kind of risk from both sides, as a broker who can flag it during a home search and as a CSLB-licensed general contractor who can assess a property's gas lines and foundation before you buy or renovate.