Osceola County, MI – A family in Osceola County is picking up the pieces after an explosion at their home in Rose Lake Township.
It happened around 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday on 15 Mile Road.
First responders said the windows were blown out and a door was found several yards away.
A man inside at the time was taken to the hospital where he was treated and released.
We’re told the explosion happened when he was attempting to light a water heater.
Chris Wood, the Operation’s Manager at Team Bob’s in Traverse City said if you have to mess with any gas appliances in your home, like water heaters, it can be dangerous, so you should always seek help from an expert.
“If you smell gas, whether it’s natural gas or propane, suppliers add an additive to it so you can smell it because naturally it’s an odorless gas,” said Wood. ” So remove yourself from the home.”
Wood also said if you’re a ‘do it yourself’ person, make sure you’re really familiar with the owners manual and the unit itself, but if you don’t feel comfortable you should probably reach out to an expert because it could be dangerous to yourself and others around you.”
Another important thing to know is that if you smell gas, don’t use any phone in the building.
Go to a neighbors house and call your gas supplier. If for some reason you can’t reach your supplier, call the fire department immediately.
Wood also said it’s recommended for people to get their water heaters checked at least once a year.