photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook
Home Renovation Severs Gas Line in Hawthorne
December 31,2015
the staff of the Rmidgewood blog
Hawthorne NJ, A late afternoon interior gas main break at a home under renovation, located at 275 Warburton Avenue, Hawthorne, forced the evacuation of eight (8) nearby homes as workers from PSE&G struggled to shut off gas to the affected residence. No injuries were reported in the incident, which drew response from Hawthorne PD & FD personnel. The gas line was reportedly severed by workers performing renovations on the home.
PSEG reminds us that If you smell gas, open a window, leave the building and call 1-800-880-7734 (PSEG) to report the problem.
Natural gas is a colorless, odorless hydrocarbon that’s nearly 100% combustible. A distinctive odor, like rotten eggs, is added to natural gas to help assist in the detection of leaks, though it should not be solely relied upon to provide warning.
If you smell gas in your home:
Put out all open flames. No smoking. Do not attempt to light any appliances.
Don’t touch electric switches, thermostats, appliance controls or electric panel breakers. These items may cause sparks that could lead to an ignition.
Do not use an automatic garage door opener.
Do not start your car if it is in the garage or close proximity to the house.
Open windows and outside doors for ventilation.
If the odor is strong, don’t use your telephone or cell phone inside the house.
Leave the premises on foot and call 1-800-436-7734 (PSEG) from a neighbor’s home and remain outside until PSE&G arrives. PSE&G provides 24-hour emergency service every day of the year. PSE&G technicians are expected to respond to leak emergencies within 60 minutes.
Do not assume someone else will report the condition.
PSE&G does not charge customers for responding to gas leak emergencies.
Underground Gas Leak – Warning Signs:
You smell natural gas outside. Natural gas smells like rotten eggs.
You hear a hissing sound coming from the ground.
You see dirt blowing from a hole in the ground.
You see water bubbling in a puddle or around a valve box.
You see a ring or circle of dead grass or vegetation in a lawn area.
