By MAIRE O’NEILLA spike in suspected gas leaks reported to the Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities and Los Alamos Fire Department last week was mostly related to leaking appliances, according to the County’s Deputy Utilities Manager Jack Richardson.
There was a total of six calls Aug. 17 alone but Richardson said his supervisors were not really surprised.
“As we head into fall weather, people are relighting furnaces and using more gas, so we get more calls than we typically do. About half the calls are for leaking appliances such as hot water heaters and furnaces,” he said.
Richardson said County utilities workers checked the County system and found no change in pressure. He said Utilities responds to all reports of gas leaks.
“It’s our responsibility to go out on every call and find the source of the leaks. LAFD responds to make sure there is no immediate explosion potential and to evacuate the public if needed,” he said.
Typically, if a leak is found, the County “red tags” on the customer’s side of the service line. The customer then hires a licensed plumber to fix the problem and issue is checked by a State inspector before the County resumes service.
LADPU makes the following recommendations in the event of a suspected leak:
- Don’t turn lights on or off;
- Don’t use any type of electronic device;
- Don’t use your home phone or cell phone to make calls from inside or near the house, building or immediate vicinity;
- Don’t light a match or anything else that could cause a spark;
- Leave the house, building and nearby area immediately; and
- Evacuate upwind and advise others to stay away.
Signs of a gas leak include a hissing sound or a rotten egg odor. Anyone suspecting a gas leak should call 505.662.8333 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. After hours or on weekends, call Los Alamos Police Department Dispatch at 505.662.8222.
