Edina Firefighter Provides Answers for Uncommon Questions

Editor's Note: The following was written by Ryan Quinn, a firefighter/paramedic with the Edina Fire Department, for the latest edition of EFD Pulse. Read the full July issue on the city's website.

The responds to more than 900 fire-related calls every year. While some are false alarms, there are still situations that, if not handled correctly, can be very dangerous. Those calls range from the smell of gas in a house and cut gas lines to arcing and downed power lines. Do you know how to properly handle those situations?

What do I do if I smell gas in my house?

The safest thing to do is leave the house quickly, leaving the door open so fire crews can get inside. Do not turn on or off any appliances or lights or use the garage door. Call 9-1-1 from outside your house or from a neighbor’s house.

The Fire Department will arrive with air monitors and safety equipment. Firefighters will work with the gas company to pinpoint the problem. It could be anything from a gas stove that was not turned off to a broken gas line in the basement. The Fire Department and gas company will find the problem and determine when you can return to your home.

What if I accidentally cut a gas line in my yard?

Before doing any digging in your yard, call 8-1-1 two or three weekdays in advance of your project. Even if your project is as small as planting a tree, it is important to have all utility lines marked. It would be no fun to be without gas, electricity or even cable and internet. In addition, the cost of repairs and any associated fines may be assessed to the property owner.

Whether you plan some do-it-yourself Saturday yard work or you hire a contractor, it is still important to have utility lines marked. We have even seen situations where someone has pulled out a dead shrub or dug a small hole for flowers and the shovel damaged a gas line.

Indicators of damaged gas lines include a hissing sound of pressurized gas and a little dirt blowing around. An unpleasant, but recognizable smell of mercaptan, the rotten egg-smell gas companies add to natural gas, will also be present.

The first thing you should do is call 9-1-1 from a safe distance. The emergency dispatcher will ask questions to assist the Fire Department while we are responding. It is important to give as much information regarding the incident as possible. The Fire Department will arrive quickly; police will accompany fire units for traffic control and help with evacuations should the need arise.

The Fire Department will confirm that the gas company has been notified. Crews will take into consideration the wind speed and direction and the size of the leaking gas line. They will also monitor air quality in the area. The gas company will usually turn off the gas to allow repair of the gas line. It is completely appropriate to call 9-1-1 for cut gas lines, the smell of gas or if you believe a situation is unsafe, including those involving propane tanks.

The power lines are arcing in my back yard! What do I do?

This has become more common this year, especially after several bouts of strong storms earlier in the summer. From a safe distance, call 9-1-1 right away to report the incident and tell the emergency dispatcher what you see and what is happening. Do not approach the power line to "get a closer look." Treat all power lines as if they are energized.

Downed power lines can sometimes be hard to see, especially if surrounded by trees or other obstacles. Lines could fall on metal fences, energizing the fence. Do not touch power lines or attempt to de-energize them. Electric company technicians are the only ones who can cut the power and make the area safe. The Fire Department will not pull lines or put out electrical fires on power poles.

The best thing to do is keep your family members away. The Fire Department can put up barricade tape and tell people to stay away but, after a storm, crews may not be able to stay on scene and wait for the power company to arrive.

The common theme for the uncommon emergency is to call 9-1-1. We respond to far more calls for assistance without fire than those involving it. Remember, the Fire Department is a resource to help solve problems that put the community at risk. When in doubt, give us a call and we will help you stay safe.

Call before you dig! Call 8-1-1 several days before doing any digging. For more information, visit www.call811.com.

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