Columbus home tipsThe recent destruction of an Upper Arlington home due to a natural gas explosion evidences the need for greater vigilance concerning gas leak detection. While the exact cause of this incident is still being investigated, the Ohio Red Cross is using it to educate residents about how to recognize gas leaks. We’re sharing their tips, as well as some advice of our own!

Unlike carbon monoxide, natural gas has a distinct odor. Natural gas includes the additive mercaptan, which creates a “rotten egg” scent that is hard to ignore. If you ever smell the rotten-egg odor that indicates natural gas, move to a safe location. Then call 911 and Columbia Gas of Ohio at 1-800-344-4077.

The difficulty is, not everyone is familiar with this scent – and some residents don’t realize this scent could mean danger.

Fortunately, there are natural gas detection alarms that can alert you of a leak more reliably than the human sense of smell. Combination carbon monoxide and explosive gas alarms detect CO, methane and propane. They also provide a readout of the type of threat, and the degree of severity. These units also have a shrill, 85-decibel alarm that will catch your attention; and if you’re not home, it will probably catch the attention of your neighbors! These alarms are inexpensive and reliable, and should be included with smoke detectors in every home.

Carbon monoxide is another concern for Columbus home owners and residents. It can be produced by furnaces, fireplaces, portable heaters, burning charcoal, and by car fumes in the garage. Carbon monoxide is known as a “silent killer” because it is an odorless, colorless gas that cannot be detected by human senses. It causes symptoms of CO poisoning, such as:

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Confusion

Prolonged exposure leads to unconsciousness and death. An investment in a gas and CO detection alarm is well worth the money! You can find more home and personal safety tips at the U.S. Department of State.

We care about you! And as your Exclusive Buyer’s Broker, we serve your best interests at all times! Unlike real estate agents and brokerages who represent sellers, as an Exclusive Buyer’s Broker, we only represent you, the buyer, getting you the best price and terms with no conflict of interest at all times.

Understanding this distinction could literally save you thousands of dollars not only on the purchase price and terms, but also on seller concessions and home inspection issues, whether you are a first-time homebuyer or an experienced homeowner!

Contact us with your home buying questions! Remember, we are with you every step of the way…all the way home!

Andrew Show
Broker, CEBA, CEBA-M, CNE, CSP, ABR-M, e-PRO, GREEN
Buyer’s Resource Realty Services
Serving Metro Columbus, Ohio with Exclusive Buyer’s Agents
7100 North High Street, Suite 204, Worthington, Ohio 43085
614-888-4110 | 888-888-4110 Toll Free | 614-839-4110 Fax