PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Investigators say a gas leak likely caused an explosion that destroyed two row homes in Port Richmond on New Year's Day morning.
Natural gas does not naturally have a smell, so utility companies add an odor to get your attention if a gas leak happens.
“If anybody smells natural gas, they should report it by calling 911 and then their natural gas provider,” said PECO spokesperson Greg Smore a spokesperson. PECO provides natural gas to Philadelphia’s suburban counties, as well as electricity to both the city of Philadelphia and many of its suburbs.
“If you are inside of a home, leave the home and call from a safe distance. Don’t operate any electrical switches or anything like that, or use phones or radios.”
Smore also said flashlights could be a potential ignition switch.
Smore said to make sure qualified technicians service natural gas appliances, to make sure they’re operating properly.
He added that people should also clear water heaters, furnaces and fireplaces of snow and ice to prevent a buildup of carbon monoxide, and they should also regularly test carbon monoxide and smoke alarms.
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PECO is working to replace existing natural gas mains and lines in its service area with new plastic piping.
“[It] is safer,” said Smore. “It's more durable. It reduces methane emissions as well.”
Smore emphasized that PECO does not speak on behalf of PGW, but the information and gas safety tips they provided are meant to be general and not specific to customers in any particular location.
He added that PECO crews are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week if someone smells natural gas in their service area.
Click the following links for more gas safety tips:
- PECO
- PGW