GAS SAFETY
How to Recognize and React to a Natural Gas Leak
Natural gas is an odorless, colorless gas. For this reason, an odorant called mercaptan is added to the gas which gives it a distinctive, rotten-egg smell. This smell is the most common way to recognize a natural gas leak. You may also identify a leak by a blowing or hissing sound, bubbling or blowing water, brown patches in vegetation near a gas line or a dry spot in moist earth.
1. Have everyone leave the area immediately.
2. Do not operate light switches, phones, vehicles, equipment or any electric appliances.
3. Do not connect or disconnect any power plugs from electric outlets or light a match or lighter.
4. From a safe distance, call Glenwood Energy at (513)523-5050 and 911.
5. Do not re-enter the home until a Glenwood Energy Technician has investigated the leak.
Glenwood Energy technicians are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays.
BEFORE DIGGING
Hitting a utility line while digging can be dangerous and very costly. Before doing any type of digging, Ohio law requires you to contact the Ohio Utilities Protection Service. You can do this by calling 800-362-2764 or
8-1-1 or visiting e-dig to request the location of underground lines near your proposed digging site.
CARBON MONOXIDE
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. At lower levels of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure.
Sources of Carbon Monoxide
Unvented kerosene and gas space heaters; leaking chimneys and furnaces; back-drafting from furnaces, gas water heaters, wood stoves, and fireplaces; gas stoves; generators and other gasoline powered equipment; automobile exhaust from attached garages; and tobacco smoke. Incomplete oxidation during combustion in gas ranges and unvented gas or kerosene heaters may cause high concentrations of CO in indoor air. Worn or poorly adjusted and maintained combustion devices (e.g., boilers, furnaces) can be significant sources, or if the flue is improperly sized, blocked, disconnected, or is leaking. Auto, truck, or bus exhaust from attached garages, nearby roads, or parking areas can also be a source.
Steps to Reduce Exposure to Carbon Monoxide
It is most important to be sure combustion equipment is maintained and properly adjusted. Vehicular use should be carefully managed adjacent to buildings and in vocational programs. Additional ventilation can be used as a temporary measure when high levels of CO are expected for short periods of time.
Keep gas appliances properly adjusted.
Consider purchasing a vented space heater when replacing an unvented one.
Use proper fuel in kerosene space heaters.
Install and use an exhaust fan vented to outdoors over gas stoves.
Open flues when fireplaces are in use.
Choose properly sized wood stoves that are certified to meet EPA emission standards. Make certain that doors on all wood stoves fit tightly.
Have a trained professional inspect, clean, and tune-up central heating system (furnaces, flues, and chimneys) annually. Repair any leaks promptly.
Do not idle the car inside garage.
If you think you may have a carbon monoxide leak, leave your house immediately and call 911.
More information on Carbon Monoxide may be found HERE
EXCESS FLOW VALVES
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What is an excess flow valve?
An excess flow valve is a device that can be installed on your natural gas service line to restrict the flow of gas if the line becomes damaged. This reduces the risk of property damage and/or injury.
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Who will install the excess flow valve?
Glenwood Energy will install the excess flow valve.
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Why do I have to pay for something that will make my gas service safer?
This is not mandatory on existing service lines, but you have the right to request an EFV. This protection device is in addition to the “CALL 811 Before You Dig” initiative. Before any digging or excavation, remember to always call 811 to avoid damaging your gas service line.
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How long will I be without gas?Do I have to be home during the installation
Installation will take approximately 3-4 hours. You do not have to be home at the time of installation, but after the installation is completed we will need access so that one of our technicians can relight the appliances. If you’re not home, we will leave a notice on your door to contact us.
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Where does the excess flow valve go?
The excess flow valve is installed on the service line as close to the main as feasible.
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How do I know if an excess flow valve can be installed at my home or business?
Glenwood Energy will evaluate your property upon request.
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Does my home or business already have an excess flow valve installed?
Please contact Glenwood Energy for this information
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Does an excess flow valve protect against all type of leaks?
No. An EFV will only restrict gas flow when a major leak occurs outside of the home. The valve will not detect or prevent leaks that are inside the house or small leaks on the outside service line.
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If I have pool heater/generator, can I still request an excess flow valve?
Pool heaters and generators can require an excessive load. Glenwood Energy would have to assess the property to determine if an excess flow valve can be installed.
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How long will it take to have my excess flow valve installed once my payment is accepted?
Once Glenwood Energy has received your payment, we will contact you and set up a schedule to perform the installation. This will be based on current work load.
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Is there a deadline to request an EFV?
No. The installation request of an excess flow valve can be made at any time.
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How much will it cost to have an excess flow valve installed?
The cost of installation is $1,200. If at any time after the installation the excess flow valve needs to be replaced, Glenwood Energy will replace the valve at no cost.