Safety

Identifying a Gas Leak

Homes use natural gas everyday for several uses such as stoves, ovens, and gas heat. However, gas becomes a serious health and safety hazard when something causes a leak, so how do you know when there is trouble?

The first thing you’ll probably notice is the pungent smell, which isn’t even from the gas, it is from a chemical called Mercaptan. Since natural gas on its own does not smell or taste like anything, mercaptan is added to it to help you detect when there’s a leak. This is what gives off a smell of what most people describe as rotten eggs or cabbage.

If you ever smell something similar in your home, unless you are cooking cabbage or cracked a bad egg, you may be dealing with a gas leak.

After you have realized the smell, here are some other things to look for:

a hissing sound coming from the pipes
bubbling in still water
lighter colored flames
plants are dying
dust or dirt that sits in a cloud or “blowing” around

Gas Poisoning:

If you have been exposed for too long, some of your symptoms may include:

Headache
Nausea
Difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Burning/Itching in your throat, nose, or eyes
Dizziness
Discoloration of your face

WHAT TO DO AFTER DETECTING A GAS LEAK

Once you have suspected a gas leak in your home, you need to act quickly! Immediately turn off all appliances whether they are electronic or gas operated. Open all of the windows and doors, and get outside! Wait until you are outside to call 911 or gas provider because it is not safe to use your phone around the gas leak. It is recommended to not turn on your car if it is near the leak, but if it is necessary, use EXTREME caution.

After the gas company clears you to enter your home, you will need a plumber to help you with repairs as well as an inspection.

PREVENTING A GAS LEAK

Getting an inspection is the first step you can take to ensure better prevention of a gas leak. This will also give you peace of mind because if you’ve dealt with a gas leak before, you probably don’t want to deal with one again.

Don’t leave flammable items lying around your gas-operated appliances.
Check up on your gas appliances regularly to make sure there aren’t any tears or hazards.
Get replacements for your shut-off valves and other gas fittings.

Make sure to always let your neighbors know if you have a gas leak- or if you think your neighbor may have one, help them out and let them know!

Share this article with someone who doesn’t know how to handle a gas leak!

Sources:

https://www.thisoldhouse.com/plumbing/21312420/what-does-a-gas-leak-smell-like

https://www.sanjac.edu/sites/default/files/warning-signs-of-a-gas-leak.gif

https://cdn.hswstatic.com/gif/gas-leak-home-200222116.jpg

Events Happening in Walker and Brazos Counties!

Check out these local family events happening around the Walker and Brazos Counties. Emblem Properties has found things to do that fill many categories such as food, music, classes, fun, and shopping!

Luna Family Circus

Come out to enjoy Luna Family Circus in Willis! August 6^th-8^thstarting at 6PM each day, located outdoors of Tall Pines Reception Hall.

Active Shooter Defense Training

Come and take a class on Sunday, August 8 from 12:00PM – 3:00PM to learn strategies to protect your congregation, your workplace, and your family. This event gives you strategies and skills to survive an active shooter incident. Whether you carry a concealed weapon or you are unarmed, we are going to teach you how to put yourself, and your family, in a position to SURVIVE.

Space is limited! Sign up here:

https://www.phhtraining.com/…/active-shooter-defense…/

Sunday Night Live

If you’re looking for a fun evening with family and friends, look no further than Sunday Night Live on The Green at Century Square in College Station. Enjoy live music with a line-up of inspirational artists on the outdoor Front Porch stage. These events will take place every Sunday on August 8th, 15^th, 22nd, and 29th from 4:00-6:00PM.

Small Business Breakfast-August

The Huntsville-Walker County Chamber of Commerce Small Business Breakfasts (SBB) are one of our monthly networking events, providing an opportunity for YOU to get to know fellow chamber members and community leaders. SBB is all about building business relationships and having fun while you are doing it! Enjoy a delicious breakfast and share an “infomercial” to build your business!

The breakfast will take place on Thursday, August 12 at 8:00 AM and will be held at The Farmhouse Café. Cost to attend is only $10 for Chamber Members, $15 for potential members and is payable at the door.

Market your business even further by bringing literature/flyers/etc to display on our member table AND you can donate a door prize announced from the microphone!

Sweet Treats with Frost Bank

Take a break from the heat and grab a sweet treat at our Tower Point Financial Center in College Station. We’ll be serving FREE treats from Frios Gourmet Pops to everyone who stops by on Friday, August 13, 1:00pm – 3:00pm.

Sip and Shop 2nd Saturday

At the Huntsville Square on August 14^th from 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm come take a step back in time at our 2nd Saturday Sip & Shop. Great music, great fun, great shopping, and great sipping. Leisurely stroll through the stores in downtown Huntsville for after-hours shopping and enjoy complimentary adult beverages. Over 15 businesses open their doors until 7:30 in the evening and welcome you to Rock Around the Block.

Century Square Cinema: The Sandlot

Grab a blanket and enjoy the movie The Sandlot, under the twinkling lights over The Green at Century Square in College Station. On August 19, the movie will begin at 8:45 pm (dusk).

Can I Still Buy and Sell Real Estate during Covid-19? Ask Emblem Properties

At Emblem Properties, we are dedicated to offering The Customer Service Difference—Where Our Clients Are #1. At the same time, we want to ensure the health of our customers, clients, and agents. This includes considering the current strain on our health care resources and current laws.

Real Estate services are considered “essential services” as per the US Department of Homeland Security and listed on page 13 of the following document link. US Department of Homeland Security list of Essential Services Therefore, we are facilitating our services within the national, state, and local guidelines, as presented, to protect everyone to the best of our ability. President Donald J. Trump Guidelines, Governor Abbott Executive Order, Walker County Judge “Stay At Home” Order

We are offering “Walk-Through” virtual tours of our listings to allow the public to “tour” our properties without the uncertainty of contamination to the sellers or the buyers. Experience a virtual tour of one of our properties to see for yourself. 696 Lakefront Drive, Onalaska on Lake Livingston Ask our agents about these free services for our clients.

Further, we have temporarily closed our office at Emblem Properties Emblem Properties Office but we are all available to you by phone, text, email, etc. The main office number, 936-439-6630, will continue to be answered by our agents and they can help you in any way with your real estate questions.

We pray for your safety and calmness through these most difficult times. We can all get through this together. Reach out to someone if needed and be available to someone that might need you.

4th of July Safety Tips

4TH OF JULY IS HERE!
Fireworks, festivals and fun is on everybody’s mind this week. A local favorite is attending the 4th of July Celebration at Kate Barr Ross Park which opens at 4:00 P.M. Hosted by the City of Huntsville Recreation Department, this family friendly event is free. Fireworks begin at approximately 9:15 P.M.

KEEP THE KIDS SAFE!
Is a personal display more your thing? This is Texas after all. Be sure to follow your local ordinances for where, what and when you can shoot fireworks. But most importantly BE SAFE! Almost 10,000 people were injured last 4th of July in fireworks related accidents. Children aged 10 to 14 are the most likely to be hurt Safety is paramount, but even the most diligent parent can be distracted for a moment. Take a minute to review some SUMMER SAFETY TIPS to help ensure no one ends up in an emergency room.

DON’T FORGET YOUR PETS!
Fireworks are a pyrotechnic marvel. Colors, shapes, smoke and explosions rock the night sky. While we are in awe, our pets are not as impressed. In fact, they are down right terrified. The American Humane Association reports that this time of year is one of the busiest nationwide for our already packed animal shelters. Keep your 4 legged family members safe with these PET SAFETY TIPS provided by www.petmd.com.

SAFETY TIPS FOR WILDLIFE!
4th of July safety tips for what?! Although it seems far-fetched, fireworks affect Mother Nature also. Trees and other foliage can be damaged; and in dry or fire prone areas, completely destroyed. Wildlife can be so traumatized that mothers have been known to abandon their young. Fireworks are also poisonous. A curious critter may inadvertently consume a discarded sparkler and become ill or worse. Be considerate of your wildlife friends.