A local ratepayers advocacy group is calling on Evansville and Vanderburgh County to require gas detectors in homes. WNIN’s John Gibson reports:
Direct Action Against CenterPoint Energy is petitioning local officials to pass an ordinance requiring explosive gas detectors in residential building codes.
The group notes that Evansville has seen three deadly house explosions since 2004, the latest earlier this year on N. Weinbach Avenue.
The Indiana Fire Marshal’s Office has not yet issued an official cause for the blast.
The group also says relying on one’s sense of smell may be inadequate when it comes to detecting explosive gasses.
While strong-smelling additives improve detection of otherwise odorless gasses, physical and chemical factors can contribute to a phenomenon known as “odor fade.”
The DAACE says gas detectors are available in both hard-wired and battery-operated forms through most home-improvement retailers for $20 to $50.