Customers can schedule appointments online to
ensure gas appliances are in safe working condition
OAKLAND,
Calif., Nov. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- To help
customers prepare their gas appliances for safe use during the cold
weather months ahead, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E)
is offering free in-home gas safety checks. During the gas safety
checks, PG&E also will re-light pilot lights for customers who
have heaters or other appliances that have been turned off during
warmer months.
Free safety checks help ensure that gas appliances, including
water heaters, furnaces and ovens, are operating safely and
efficiently, reducing the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning
within the home. Carbon monoxide is especially dangerous because it
can't be seen, smelled or heard.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
each year more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO
poisoning not linked to fires, more than 100,000 visit the
emergency room, and more than 14,000 are hospitalized. Since the
start of 2024, PG&E has responded to more than 6,000 incidents
where the presence of carbon monoxide is suspected.
"This free safety program is a great way for customers to
prepare for increased use of their natural gas appliances as the
cold season approaches. One of our Gas team members will conduct
safety inspections to help ensure that gas appliances are in proper
working order and also relight pilot lights. Scheduling a free gas
safety check is one of the many ways PG&E is proud to help
customers and our hometowns prepare to stay safe and warm this
winter," said Joe Forline, PG&E
Senior Vice President, Gas Operations.
Before the colder winter months when natural gas appliances
typically see the most use, PG&E encourages customers to
schedule an inspection by visiting www.pge.com/pilotlights.
Scheduling your appointment online is free and easy and will help
you avoid hold times on our customer service line. Customers can
also call 800-743-5000 to schedule appointments.
Helpful Winter Gas Safety Tips
- Install carbon monoxide detectors to warn when concentration
levels are high.
- All California single-family
homes are required to have carbon monoxide detectors.
- Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed on every floor,
near sleeping areas and common areas.
- These devices should be tested twice a year, and batteries
replaced if necessary.
- Check the expiration date – most carbon monoxide detectors have
a shelf life of five to seven years.
- Never use products inside the home that generate dangerous
levels of carbon monoxide, such as generators, outdoor grills, or
propane heaters.
- Never use cooking devices such as ovens or stoves for home
heating purposes.
- When using the fireplace to stay warm, make sure the flue is
open so venting can occur safely through the chimney.
- Make sure water heaters and other natural gas appliances have
proper ventilation.
- Click here for more winter heating safety and savings
tips.
If you suspect carbon monoxide in your home, you should get out
immediately and call 911. If a PG&E customer ever smells the
distinctive "rotten egg" odor of natural gas in or around their
home or business they should immediately evacuate and then call 911
and PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.
About PG&E
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a
subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is a combined
natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million
people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information,
visit pge.com and pge.com/news.
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SOURCE Pacific Gas and Electric Company