HOUSTON – It’s not an ideal situation to be in -- nonetheless, a dangerous predicament when a gas line has been damaged on your property. To help de-escalate things, the first step is to ensure everyone’s safety.
Immediately evacuate the area, making sure that all family members, pets, and neighbors are at a safe distance from the damaged gas line. It’s important to avoid any actions that could ignite the gas, such as lighting matches, using electrical appliances, or starting vehicles.
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Who to call?
If the damage causes a gas leak, call 911 once everyone is safe.
If there is no gas leak, call 811 to report the incident immediately or within one hour. While waiting for the professionals arrival, keep the area clear and warn others to stay away.
If the damage was caused by construction or digging, it’s important to inform the workers and ensure they stop all activities abruptly.
In Texas, it’s required by law to call 811 before any digging project to prevent such accidents. The 811 service helps locate underground utilities to avoid damaging them. According to Texas811, you should stop digging and contact them immediately if damage occurs. They will coordinate with the utility companies to make necessary repairs in a timely manner.
After the professionals have secured the area and repaired the gas line, you may need to follow up with additional safety checks. This could include inspecting your home for any gas leaks or damage caused by the incident. It’s also best to look over your insurance policy to understand what coverage for these situations.