A natural flue gas meter might not make it onto your list of must-have home safety equipment like a smoke detector or fire extinguisher, but it’s an essential device to have for the sake of your family’s safety. A gas leak can lead to a host of symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, nausea and, in severe cases, loss of consciousness. Public utilities add a rotten egg-like odor to natural gas so it can be detected if there’s a leak, but a gas detector is also an excellent tool for keeping tabs on your pipes during and immediately after hurricanes or other natural disasters that could compromise the integrity of your home’s piping system.

The best gas leak detectors are continuous devices that run continuously, either battery-powered or hardwired into your home’s electrical system. They can detect toxic gas and combustible gases such as propane, natural gas and carbon monoxide, and some are even designed to monitor your indoor air quality. Some models can also sense radon levels.

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A few different methods are available for testing for a gas leak, but most involve spraying a solution around the pipe, which should bubble when there’s a leak. Some units come with indicator lights to alert you if and where a leak is occurring, while others can send an alarm to your phone if the sensor goes off, indicating that there’s an issue and that you should take action.

Look for a model that’s UL-Listed, which means it meets the safety standards set by the Underwriter Laboratories. Also consider a gas leak detector with adjustable sensors to minimize false alarms. If you suspect a gas leak, get everyone in your home to a safe location and call your local utility company to shut off the gas as soon as possible.