Proactive Plumbing: Preventing Issues in Your Beverly Hills Home or Business

7/13/2023 (Permalink)

Plumbing problems can be a major headache, causing inconvenience and potential damage to your Beverly Hills property. Being proactive about plumbing issues is crucial for maintaining a smoothly functioning plumbing system. In this blog post, we will explore effective strategies and tips for preventing plumbing issues in your luxurious Beverly Hills home or high-end business. By taking proactive measures, you can protect your valuable property and avoid unexpected plumbing emergencies.

Regular Inspections

Regular inspections are essential for identifying potential plumbing issues before they become costly problems. Hire a professional plumber who specializes in serving the Beverly Hills area to conduct comprehensive inspections of your plumbing system at least once a year. They will carefully examine your pipes, fixtures, and appliances to check for leaks, corrosion, and signs of wear and tear. Timely identification of these issues can prevent disruptions and save you from expensive repairs. Additionally, inspect visible plumbing fixtures, such as designer faucets and luxurious showers, for any signs of leaks or drips and address them promptly.

Proper Maintenance

Maintaining your high-end plumbing system is crucial for its longevity and flawless operation. Schedule routine maintenance tasks like cleaning drain lines, flushing water heaters, and inspecting and repairing any worn-out seals or gaskets. Hire plumbers who are experienced in working with luxury properties to ensure the highest level of care for your Beverly Hills home or business. Regularly clean or replace designer faucet aerators and showerheads to maintain their performance and aesthetics. Consider installing high-quality water softeners or filtration systems to protect your exquisite plumbing fixtures and pipes from the effects of hard water.

Watch Your Water Usage

Mindful water usage is not only environmentally responsible but also essential for preserving the opulence of your Beverly Hills property. Avoid excessive water pressure that may strain your pipes and fixtures by installing pressure regulators. Educate your family members or employees about water-saving practices, such as using efficient appliances and fixtures, fixing any dripping designer faucets promptly, and minimizing water wastage. Additionally, discourage flushing items like wipes, sanitary products, or paper towels down the toilet to prevent clogs and maintain the pristine condition of your luxury plumbing system.

Winter Preparations

Beverly Hills may not experience extreme winters, but it's still important to take precautions to protect your high-end plumbing system during colder months. Insulate exposed pipes to safeguard them from occasional chilly temperatures. Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses to prevent freezing and potential damage to your luxurious property. If you plan to be away during winter, set the thermostat to a minimum temperature to prevent frozen pipes and potential water damage. Ensure you hire skilled Beverly Hills plumbers who understand the unique needs of luxury properties and can provide tailored winterization services.

Taking proactive measures to prevent plumbing issues is crucial for maintaining the integrity and luxury of your Beverly Hills home or high-end business. Regular inspections, proper maintenance by skilled professionals, water conservation practices, and winter preparations are key strategies to avoid plumbing emergencies and protect your valuable property. By being proactive and investing in top-notch plumbing services, you can ensure the long-lasting beauty and flawless functionality of your prestigious Beverly Hills plumbing system.

Why Does Mold Have an Odor?

6/8/2023 (Permalink)

If you suspect mold in your home, give SERVPRO a call today!

Mold is a common problem in homes and buildings, and one of the telltale signs of mold growth is its distinctive odor. If you've ever noticed a musty or earthy smell in your home or workplace, there's a good chance that mold is the culprit. But why does mold have an odor, and what can be done about it?

Mold Growth and Reproduction

First, it's important to understand what mold is and how it grows. Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in damp, warm environments. It reproduces by releasing tiny spores into the air, which can then land on surfaces and begin to grow. Mold can grow on virtually any surface, including walls, ceilings, floors, and furniture.

Understanding Volatile Organic Compounds

So why does mold have an odor? The answer lies in the byproducts of mold growth. As mold grows, it produces a range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are responsible for its distinctive odor. These compounds are released into the air, and can be detected even in small amounts.

The exact composition of these VOCs can vary depending on the type of mold and the conditions in which it's growing. Some common VOCs produced by mold include aldehydes, ketones, and terpenes. These compounds can have a variety of odors, ranging from musty to earthy to sweet.

The Impact of Mold Odor on Indoor Air Quality

In addition to producing an odor, these VOCs can impact indoor air quality. Exposure to high levels of VOCs can cause a wide array of issues, so it's important to address mold growth as soon as possible.

Eliminating Mold Odor

So what can be done about mold odor? The first step is to identify and eliminate the source of mold growth. This may involve fixing leaks, improving ventilation, or removing damp materials. Once the mold has been eliminated, the odor should dissipate on its own over time.

Specialized Equipment for Removing Mold Odor

However, in some cases, the odor may persist even after the mold has been eliminated. This can be due to residual VOCs that have been absorbed into porous materials such as drywall, carpet, or upholstery. In these cases, it may be necessary to use specialized equipment and techniques to remove the odor.

One common method is to use air scrubbers, which filter the air and remove VOCs. Another option is to use ozone generators, which produce ozone molecules that can break down and eliminate VOCs. However, these methods should only be used by trained professionals, as they can be dangerous if not used properly.

Conclusion: Addressing Mold Growth and Odor with Professional Help

In conclusion, mold has an odor due to the volatile organic compounds it produces during growth. This odor can be a sign of a larger mold problem, and may impact indoor air quality. If you suspect that you have a mold problem, it's important to address it as soon as possible to eliminate the odor and improve indoor air quality. A professional disaster restoration company, such as SERVPRO of Beverly Hills/Westwood, can provide the expertise and equipment needed to properly address mold growth and eliminate the associated odors.

Plan Your Escape: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Home Fire Escape Plan

4/6/2023 (Permalink)

Having an escape plan is simple and important to have to keep your family safe incase of a fire.

Having a home escape plan is a crucial aspect of fire safety that can save lives. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), home fires result in an average of seven deaths and 11 injuries per day in the United States. By creating a home escape plan and practicing it regularly, you can prepare yourself and your loved ones for the possibility of a fire emergency.

Here are some steps to follow when creating a home escape plan:

Draw a map of your home

1. The first step in creating a home escape plan is to draw a map of your home. This should include all rooms, hallways, and exits. Make sure to include all doors and windows, as these will be your primary escape routes in case of a fire.

Identify two ways out of each room

1. Once you have a map of your home, go through each room and identify two ways out. This could be a door and a window, or two different doors. Make sure that each exit is easily accessible and that there are no obstacles blocking the way.

Choose a meeting place outside

1. Choose a meeting place outside your home where everyone can gather after escaping. This could be a neighbor's house, a mailbox, or a tree. Make sure that everyone in your household knows where the meeting place is and that it's a safe distance from the house.

Install smoke alarms

1. Smoke alarms are essential for early detection of a fire. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement and attic, and inside each bedroom. Test your smoke alarms monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year.

Practice your escape plan

1. Once you have a home escape plan in place, it's important to practice it regularly. This will help you and your family members remember the plan in case of a real emergency. Set a time each year to practice your escape plan and make sure that everyone in your household participates.

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when creating a home escape plan:

• If a room has a window with bars or grills, make sure they can be easily opened from the inside in case of an emergency.
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you are not able to help them.
• If you have pets, make sure to include them in your home escape plan and practice with them as well.
• If you live in an apartment building, know the fire safety procedures for your building and use the stairs, not the elevator, in case of a fire.
• If you have a disability or are unable to escape on your own, make sure to have a plan in place with someone who can help you escape.

Creating a home escape plan is a simple yet important step in fire safety. By following these steps and practicing your plan regularly, you can help ensure that you and your loved ones are prepared in case of a fire emergency. Remember, in a fire every second counts, so be sure to act quickly and safely if a fire does occur.

5 Common Causes Of Water Damage In Commercial Properties

3/9/2023 (Permalink)

Toilets can cause water damage to your business, check regularly to prevent damage.

Water damage in a commercial building can cause extensive damage, significant financial losses, and long-lasting effects on your property. If you don't monitor for potential water damage, you may not be aware that there is an issue until it's too late. In this article, we'll discuss some common causes of water damage in commercial buildings so that you know what you can do to prevent future issues with your property.

Leaking Roof

When it comes to commercial properties, roof leaks are a common cause of water damage. Roof leaks can be caused by a number of different factors and can result in wide-ranging damage, such as mold growth, ceiling damage, and fire hazards. If you see signs that your roof may be leaking, it's important to get it inspected by a professional right away so that they can address any problems and prevent further damage.

Here are some common signs that your commercial property's roof may have a leak:

• Damp ceiling, walls or floors
• Mold growth on interior surfaces

Pipe Damage

Pipes can be damaged by freezing and corrosion. The freezing of water in pipes causes them to crack or burst, which can cause significant damage to your business. Corrosion on the other hand is a gradual process that occurs over time when there are minerals present in water. These minerals will build up inside the pipe wall causing it to weaken over time until eventually, it bursts due to the pressure of water passing through it.

You should also be aware that leaking valves may cause significant problems for your business too. If you have an old valve installed in your property then there's a chance that this could start leaking at any point - potentially resulting in severe flooding throughout the building!

Sprinkler Malfunctioning

Sprinkler systems are a common cause of water damage in commercial properties. They're designed to detect and prevent fire, but they can malfunction and cause water damage if they aren't properly maintained. When they malfunction, they can quickly dump large amounts of water inside your property.

Sewage Backup

Sewage backup can be caused by a number of different factors. The most common cause is a blocked or broken drain, but it can also be caused by heavy rainwater. If you suspect that your property has been damaged by sewage backup, it's important to act quickly before the damage becomes more severe.

Sewage backup can cause serious damage to your property--not only does it smell bad, but the water is grossly unsanitary! To prevent this type of water damage in commercial properties, have regular maintenance checks done by a reliable plumber.

Leaking Air Conditioning Systems

When it comes to water damage, there are several common causes. One of the most common is a leaky air conditioning system. Air conditioning units can be prone to leaks due to their age and exposure to outdoor elements such as rain and wind--or even just regular wear and tear over time.

How do you know if your air conditioner is leaking? If you notice any of these signs, then it's worth investigating further:

• Your utility bills are higher than normal
• You see moisture around the unit (in particular, look for discolored or moldy walls or floors)
• You see water dripping from vents in your home

There are a number of different causes of water damage in commercial properties, and it's important that you keep an eye out for these signs so you can get your building back to normal as soon as possible. Regular maintenance is the key to preventing a major water damage event from occurring on your property. If you discover a water loss on your property, it's best to contact a professional. They will be able to inspect your building and determine exactly what went wrong and clean up the damage.

Safety tips to prepare your family incase of a Fire

2/20/2023 (Permalink)

Have a plan in place incase of an emergency for your family.

A grease fire that starts in the kitchen or an electrical fire caused by faulty wiring, fires can happen in the blink of an eye. You may be prepared for them and know what to do when they occur, but to avoid serious injuries make sure to prepare your family with a plan.

Tips to prevent injuries to your family

In the event of a fire, here are some tips to help prevent injury, damage and stress. Stop, Drop, and Roll. If a fire breaks out in your home, remember these 3 words to get you out of your home safely. When you go to bed at night, close the bedroom doors to help protect fire and smoke spreading throughout the home. The door will hold off any smoke or fire from getting in the door that could possibly bye you some time for exit. For a small fire, if you feel comfortable, use a fire extinguisher. If you feel like you can't control it call 911 immediately and take it with you when escaping.

Stay Calm

Stay calm. If someone panics or runs around trying to grab things before leaving their home, this could cause them to get hurt or get burned by hot surfaces in your home. Get out of the house immediately and call 911 from outside if possible. Do not go back inside until the fire department gives you permission. Stay low to the ground, keeping your hands on the floor, cover your mouth with a towel or shirt so that no breathable air enters your lungs instead of breathing through your nose or mouth.

It is important that these things be discussed frequently to ensure your family has a meeting place outside of the home to account for everyone for safety. It is very important that everyone stays out of the home to prevent injury by falling debris or smoke inhalation even after the flames have been extinguished. Don't go back inside until firefighters tell you it's safe again.

Remember, it’s important to have a plan in place and know what to do in case of an emergency. You should also make sure everyone in your family knows the plan so they can help out if necessary. By following these tips, you can help keep everyone safe during any type of fire situation.

Why is There Mold Around my Sink?

1/18/2023 (Permalink)

The reasons for mold in your drain are many, and so are the ways to get rid of it.

Mold is a fungus that grows in damp areas. It can grow indoors as well as outdoors. But when it starts growing around the sin, it can become a problem. The question is why this happens in the first place.

Excess Moisture

If there is excess moisture around your sink, you might have a water leak. The most likely cause of this is plumbing problems or clogged drains. Either way, the mold can spread to other areas of your home if you do not deal with it immediately.

If there is excessive moisture in your home’s pipes or drain system due to faulty plumbing, then this could cause mold growth and damage throughout the rest of your house.

Sink Drain Clogs

The sink drain is a vital part of every home, as it is essentially the first step in your plumbing system. If you have a clog, then water can back up and cause mold growth, flooding, and other problems. The best way to avoid these dangers is to keep your sink drains unobstructed and free from clogs.

Lack of Proper Ventilation

As a homeowner, you can help prevent mold growth in several parts of your home by taking these simple steps:

• Ventilate properly. Make sure there is adequate ventilation to remove moisture from the room and keep it dry.
• Don't store anything on top of your sink or toilet tank lid. If there is no other place for items such as towels and toiletries, stack them neatly on shelves or in cabinets below each fixture instead.

Improper Cleanliness

If you want to prevent mold from growing around your sink, there are several things you can do. First and foremost, make sure that you clean the sink regularly. You should use a disinfectant cleaner and then rinse it off thoroughly with water. Next, use a drain cleaner like Clorox Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner or Resolve Drain Cleaner. 

Leaks From a Toilet or Faucet

If you notice that your sink or bathtub has become slow, it could be due to an undetected leak somewhere in the pipe system. Leaks can be caused by a number of things, including age and poor maintenance on behalf of the homeowner.

If you suspect there may be a leaky faucet or toilet, check for any signs of leaks or other problems with your plumbing system. If there's no leak present, we'll provide recommendations on how best to clear up any blockages that might have formed around the drain opening itself (easing future clogs).

There are Many Reasons Why Mold Can Grow around a Sink.

Here are some of the most common causes:

• Excess moisture.
• Clogged drain.
• Lack of proper ventilation.
• Improper cleanliness and hygiene.

The reasons for mold in your drain are many, and so are the ways to get rid of it. With a little effort and time spent cleaning up the mess, you’ll be able to get rid of any unwanted guests once and for all. If the problem is more severe, you should call a professional for assistance!

How Ozone Generators Remediate Smoke Smell

12/1/2022 (Permalink)

After a fire, using ozone generators is a secure and efficient technique to eliminate smoke odor.

How Ozone Generators Eliminate the Smell of Smoke

Ozone generators are used to remove smoke smell from a property. In this article, we'll discuss how ozone is made, the science behind it, and how it's used to remove smoke smells.

What is an ozone generator?

An ozone generator is a device that emits ozone in the air. It's typically used to clean up rooms, buildings and other areas that have a bad smell. Ozone generators can be used indoors or outdoors, even after the smoke smell from a fire has already dissipated.

For example, if there was an electrical fire in your home and you had to get out quickly, there will still be lingering smoke smells left over after the flames have been extinguished. These odors can be hard to get rid of on their own; but with an ozone generator it's easy! With one quick pass of your unit through each area affected by the smoke smell — whether it be simply walking through all affected rooms or using some sort of fan system — the room will feel fresh again!

Ozone generators are also good options if there was mold in your home at any point before this incident happened (or if there is now). The high levels of humidity caused by flooding leaves behind spores which need cleaning up immediately because otherwise they'll spread throughout nearby areas quickly creating more problems down the line.

How does it work?

Ozone generators are powerful oxidizers that break down organic compounds in the air. Ozone, the ozone generator's product, is a gas that can be used in a variety of ways. It's produced by an ozone generator and acts as an odor neutralizer by attacking smoke odors at the source. Ozone is naturally occurring in the earth's atmosphere and created by lightning when it strikes oxygen molecules in the air.

Is ozone bad for my stuff?

Ozone is a natural element that comes from the air, so it's not harmful to people or animals. Ozone is safe to use in homes, offices, and other settings where ozone generators are used to remediate smoke smell.

Ozone does not damage furniture, carpet, clothing, or other household items. If you're concerned about using an ozone generator around your belongings, test a small area before using it all over if you have any doubt at all about whether it might be harmful.

Important factors in odor removal

Ozone is a powerful oxidizer. In the presence of smoke, ozone will react with the organic molecules and break them apart. When this happens, the odor will be removed from your home. Ozone is not effective at removing other odors besides smoke or mold and mildew. It can't remove pet odors because they're caused by bacteria that grow on the surfaces where pets spend time (their beds, for example).

If you want to neutralize a room filled with smoke odor, consider using an ozone generator in combination with another method like dehumidifiers or air purifiers (or both!).

What is the key to ozone's effectiveness? 

The key to ozone's effectiveness is its ability to kill bacteria, viruses, and mold. In fact, ozone is an extremely powerful oxidizer. It can be used to purify water by oxidizing organic contaminants like pesticides, herbicides, and other toxins in the water.

Ozone generators are also used for deodorization in a variety of industries such as food processing plants where they eliminate odors from smelly foods such as fish or chicken carcasses that may have spoiled during processing into products such as tuna fish cans or chicken nuggets.

Ozone generators also help remediate smoke smell from fire damage by using the same principle: killing bacteria with ozone gas so that no further contamination occurs after your home has been cleared out of fumes or toxic particles from a fire rescue effort

Why SERVPRO professionals recommend using ozone to remediate a home after a fire.

Ozone generators are a safe and effective way to remove smoke smell after a fire. They're also safe for use around pets and children. In addition, ozone generators are portable, so you can use them in any room of the home.

They're easy to use: Simply plug in your ozone generator, turn it on and set it on the floor near where you'd like to deodorize. Within minutes, that smoke smell will be gone!

There are many ways to remove smoke smell in your home. You can try cleaning products, air fresheners, or even candles (though those aren’t recommended). But the best way is to call SERVPRO of Beverly Hills/ Westwood who uses ozone generators. That way, you know that the job will be done right and that you won’t have to worry about any toxic chemicals being released into your indoor environment.

What Three Types of Contaminated Water Are There?

11/17/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage in Beverly Hills/ Westwood area

What Type of Water You Have and How To Deal With It

Water damage is one of the most common problems faced by homeowners and business owners. It can come from many sources, including pipes that burst or broken appliances. SERVPRO of Beverly Hills/Westwood specializes in water damage restoration, the cornerstone of our business. We have handled all types of water damage, so we're here to help you understand what type of water you have and how to deal with it quickly and professionally.

What Are the Water Damage Categories?

To properly deal with contaminated water, it's important to know what category of water you're dealing with. Categories 1 and 2 are considered clean water, while category 3 is considered contaminated. Here are the three different categories:

Category 1—Clean Water: This includes runoff from rain or snow, as well as fresh groundwater that has not been contaminated by human activity. It can also include any other type of liquid that hasn't encounter any contaminants.

Category 2—Contaminated Water: This category includes all types of liquids affected by human activity, such as rivers adjacent to factories or sewers. This type of damage is often referred to as "blackwater.”

Let's look at the three categories in more detail:

Category 1 water is clean water such as a leaking faucet or supply line, or broken appliance. If untreated, Category 1 can quickly degrade into Category 2 or 3.

Category 2 water is contaminated with harmful microorganisms and/or chemicals that can cause illness if ingested. This type of contamination could be present in your home's private well system, as well as any municipal supply lines that have become damaged by recent weather events.

Category 1 Water is clean water such as a leaking faucet or supply line, or broken appliance. If untreated, Category 1 can quickly degrade into Category 2 or 3.

A leaky faucet is one of the most common sources of contaminated water in the home. A leaking tap will typically drip between 0.5 and 5 gallons per minute depending on its severity and how long it has been leaking. Leaks that occur over longer periods of time will likely cause higher volumes of wastewater to flow into your drainpipes than those that are repaired quickly after detection.

Category 2 Water has some degree of contamination.

Category 2 water damage is the next level down. While it still requires immediate attention, this type of water damage is not as serious as category 3 and should be handled by a professional contractor so that you don’t spread any contaminants further into your home.

Category 2 water can be caused by a variety of situations, such as a toilet overflow with some urine or feces, or a washing machine overflow. Category 2 also includes other incidents like broken pipes that are not directly connected to sewage lines but have seeped into or leaked out of the home’s walls, ceilings, and floors.

Category 3 Water is grossly contaminated from an outside source. 

Category 3 water can include sewage, seawater, or floodwater: This type of contamination can come from sewage backups in your basement and other locations in your house. Flooding can also cause this type of contamination by mixing with storm runoff and groundwater seepage in the basement through a crack in the foundation or opening around a pipe. Heavy rains can also cause this type of contamination if not enough water is diverted away from structures before it reaches them.

SERVPRO Beverly Hills/Westwood specializes in water damage restoration.

The cornerstone of our business is the extensive water damage restoration training we give our technicians, which emphasizes regular monitoring and documentation of the drying process from beginning to end.

In addition, SERVPRO’s process emphasizes regular monitoring and documentation of the drying process from beginning to end.

SERVPRO is here to help you with all your water damage needs. We have a team of highly trained professionals who can handle any situation, and we offer 24/7 emergency services for our customers in Beverly Hills/Westwood area.

Content Cleaning and Fire Damage

10/1/2022 (Permalink)

Kitchen damaged by fire

Content Cleaning and Fire Damage

We know what it’s like to lose your belongings to a fire. That’s why we offer content cleaning to help you recover from the effects of fire damage. If your clothes have been damaged in a fire, our professional team will spot and clean them for you. We can also advise you on what process is best for any specific piece of clothing or item.

Content cleaning is a service that can be done by professionals if your clothing has been damaged in a fire.

Although it may seem like a daunting task, each piece of content will be pre-spotted, pre-tested and thoroughly cleaned. Contents with smoke residue may need an additional ultrasonic cleaning process.

If you're feeling overwhelmed about how to proceed with cleaning your clothing after this unfortunate event, we've got you covered! We can help you get back on track and make sure that your items are restored to their former glory so that they look as good as new!

Each piece of content will be pre-spotted, pre-tested and thoroughly cleaned.

The first step in the cleaning process is pre-spotting, which involves a thorough inspection of each item to determine what damage it has sustained and whether it can be cleaned. If an item cannot be cleaned, we will discard it. Next, we thoroughly clean all items (including furniture) using our proprietary process that removes smoke residue while also preventing any new soiling from occurring.

Contents with smoke residue may need an additional ultrasonic cleaning process.

The contents of your items can be affected by smoke residue. Smoke can make an item smell like burnt or wet wood, or it may leave behind a yellow discoloration that won't wash out. Smoke residue can also cause the ink on labels to fade, which will make them illegible.

Smoke residue may need to be removed before you clean the item using other methods such as steaming and dry cleaning (using chemicals). Ultrasonic cleaning is one effective way of removing dirt and grime from objects but not all materials are suitable for this type of cleaning process so check with your dry cleaner first!

We'll help you get your belongings back in good shape after fire damage. 

We're here to help with our expert post-fire cleaning services. Whether you need help getting rid of the smell or repairing some of the physical damage left behind by fire, we'll fix everything up, so it looks like nothing ever happened. We'll even make sure all those pesky stains disappear from your carpeting so no one will ever suspect anything was amiss.

Our experience with these situations makes us uniquely qualified to handle any situation involving smoke or water damage. So, whether you've been through a kitchen fire recently or have just gotten back from vacation (and found out about another family member's house burning down), let us do what we do best: restore order after chaos has taken over!

We are proud to say that we offer some of the best prices in town for a wide range of services. We’re confident that our 100% customer satisfaction guarantee will give you peace of mind when dealing with your fire-damaged items, and we can help you get back on your feet quickly after an emergency like this!

What To Do When You Smell Natural Gas

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

A potential gas fire is an emergency!

Steps To Protect Yourself And Your Family

If your home in Beverly Hills, CA uses gas for heating or cooking, it's important to know what to do in the event of a gas leak. On its own, natural gas doesn't have a smell, so providers put additives in that give it a scent in order to protect consumers. If you smell gas inside or outside of your home or hear a hissing sound, there are steps to take to ensure that you protect yourself and your family.

1. Don't Touch the Lights
When you first smell gas and you're not sure what's happening, the first step is to NOT turn on the lights. If there is a leak, turning a light switch on or off can trigger a reaction that causes a gas fire. Similarly, don't use matches, start or stop appliances, or use the phone.

2. Check the Stove
Check the stove to make sure that all the burners are off. One common reason that you smell gas but a gas explosion isn't imminent is that a burner was accidentally bumped on.

3. Open the Windows
If you can verify that the natural gas smell was caused by an improperly closed burner, it's safe to open the windows and doors to air out the house. However, if you've checked the stove and no burners are on, it's important to leave the windows closed to prevent oxygen from getting to a flame.

4. Leave the House
When the stove is ruled out as the cause of the smell, it's time to leave the house — and quickly. Worry only about getting the people in your home out; don't try to take extra items with you. A potential gas fire is an emergency!

5. Call for Help
Once you're safely away from the house (at least across the street), call 911 for help. In the event of an explosion that causes damage, an emergency restoration team will work with you to get you back in your home quickly.
A gas fire is a common way that homes sustain damage. If you think you smell gas, protect your family by leaving the house and calling for help.