Gas Leak Closes Troy and Paxton
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Ferndale 115 News, 9/12/2011)
The intersection of Paxton and East Troy remains closed as crews work to repair an underground natural gas leak. Firefighters on the scene reported that at approximately 7:30pm on Monday, Sept. 12, 2011 they received a call complaining about the foul smell. Air quality tests confirmed that a gas was coming from below ground, and as of 9pm firefighters secured the scene while waiting for DTE to arrive with a backhoe. {NOTE – the firefighters on the scene said DTE, though it is actually Consumer’s Energy that responded}.
Though the street is blocked off, firefighters say the gas is not a threat to any of the homes, businesses or apartments nearby. “The problem is concentrated in this area at the intersection. We have the streets blocked off because DTE is going to have to use the backhoe to get at it and fix the leak,” said a fireman on the scene.
“It’s going to be a couple hours at least before they get out here and get down to the problem,” the fireman said. “They’ll probably be working at it into the night.” He said that he expects the street to re-open by morning.
Natural gas can be dangerous. The following information is provided by DTE through their website:
“Natural gas is odorless and colorless, so we add a harmless substance to it to make it smell like rotten eggs. Why? So you can easily detect a gas leak.
If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak:
Do: | |
Leave the area at once. | |
Go to a location where you no longer smell gas, outside of the house or building. | |
Call 800.947.5000 immediately to report the situation. | |
Don’t: | |
Light matches or smoke. Avoid use of all open flames. | |
Use any electrical device, including appliances, doorbells and garage door openers. | |
Turn light switches on and off. | |
Use any phones, including cellular phones. | |
Try to locate the source of the gas leak. | |
Re-enter the building or return to the area until MichCon tells you it’s safe to do so.” |
Residents can also call 911 to reach the Ferndale Police and Fire dispatches if there is a gas leak and they do not have the DTE hotline number handy.