If your home uses natural gas, here’s how to ensure it’s safe

CHARLOTTE — Authorities are looking into what caused a Mooresville home to explode Tuesday, killing a man inside. One other person was hurt.

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The explosion happened at the multi-million-dollar home around 12 a.m. on Barber Loop Road near Old Arborway Road. Investigators believe it was an accident.

It’s important to note that investigators do not know where the explosion originated.

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Investigators did say that according to initial reports, there was a gas smell present near the home.

You can always check your appliances for gas leaks. Natural gas is odorless when taken from the ground, but utilities add a chemical that gives it a smell to make it easier to detect.

If you smell it, don’t try to see where it’s coming from. Leave immediately and report it.
Always keep your air furnace filters clean.
Have a heating contractor inspect your furnace or boiler every year.
Finally, check your chimney flues to make sure they’re open and clean. Gas can build up there.

If you need to report a gas emergency and you use Dominion Energy, call 877-776-2427. You can also purchase natural gas detectors for your home to be extra sure.

North Carolina is one of several states currently considering legislation requiring natural gas alarms that work just like smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

The North Carolina Utilities Commission says once a utility is connected, it becomes the owner’s responsibility. That means you need to get your appliances checked regularly and be alert for any smells of leakage.

“Depends on where the leak is. The leak is on the outside of the meter, the street side of the meter, it would be the gas company if it’s on the homeowner side of the meter, it would be the homeowner’s responsibility,” said Kevin Greene, the Iredell County emergency management director.

Since utilities can’t he held responsible if a leak happens on your property, you’ll also want to make sure your homeowners insurance is up to date for any potential accidents.

Channel 9 has also reported on a Ballantyne couple whose home was damaged when a neighbor’s exploded in 2019. They sued State Farm for not covering all the losses.

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