PG&E offers free in-home safety checks for gas appliances ahead of cold weather season - KRCR
PG&E offers free in-home safety checks for gas appliances ahead of cold weather season | KRCR
REDDING, Calif. — As the colder weather approaches, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) is providing in-home safety checks for customers to prepare their gas appliances for safe use during the upcoming winter months.
The utility company said, it is important to ensure that gas appliances, including water heaters, furnaces, and ovens, are operating safely and efficiently, as this reduces the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning within homes. CO is an odorless, colorless gas that can be extremely dangerous because it cannot be seen, smelled, or heard.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning not linked to fires each year. Additionally, over 100,000 people visit the emergency room, and more than 14,000 are hospitalized due to CO-related incidents. Since the start of 2023, PG&E said they have responded to more than 6,100 incidents where the presence of carbon monoxide was suspected.
Joe Forline, PG&E's senior vice president of Gas Operations, emphasizes the significance of maintaining safe gas appliances, saying, "One of the best ways to prevent carbon monoxide from reaching dangerous levels is to ensure your appliances are in safe working order. A free safety check can help identify any issues that would interfere with their safe operation. And while our technicians are there, they will also inspect your pilot lights and relight them if needed."
Before the colder winter months, when natural gas appliances are used more frequently, PG&E encourages customers to schedule an inspection. Appointments can be scheduled online, which is a free and convenient option to avoid hold times on the customer service line. Customers can also call 800-743-5000 to schedule appointments.
In addition to the in-home safety checks, PG&E provides several helpful winter gas safety tips for its customers, including:
PG&E has provided additional safety tips, available on their website, to help customers prepare for the colder months and reduce the risk of CO-related incidents.
In the event that customers suspect carbon monoxide in their homes, PG&E advises immediate evacuation and a call to 911. Furthermore, if the distinctive "rotten egg" odor of natural gas is detected in or around their home or business, customers should evacuate and then call 911 and PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.
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