Gas Leak Shuts Down West EP Businesses

All the flooding that the westside of town saw this summer during the monsoon season has caused a lot of other problems in its wake. There is the sewage being dumped into the Rio Grande because some sewer lines got damaged in the flooding in August. Those lines have to be replaced by El Paso Water but Tuesday afternoon replacing those lines caused another problem. A crew working on the damaged sewer lines hit a gas line and it caused the evacuation of several area businesses and a shelter in place order for the staff at KTSM.

There are a few things you need to know about natural gas to keep yourself and your family and co-workers safe.

1. Natural gas has a specific smell - The smell is described sometimes as rotten eggs but it intentionally given a smell so that when you smell it you know you need to do something about it.

2. Natural gas is flammable - The gas can be ignited by heat, sparks or flames. You need to remember not to do any of these things if you think you have a leak:

Do not turn on a light switch or ring a doorbell.
Do not light a match or cigarette or anything with a flame.
Do not use your phone, tablet, computer or other mobile devices.
Do not open or close your windows or garage door. Leave through your front door as quickly and
calmly as possible.
Do not start your vehicle if you are near the smell.

You need to get out of the area and immediately call 9-1-1 and Texas Gas at 800-959-5325. Believe me, they will get to your location very quickly. A natural gas leak is nothing to play with.