Meals on Wheels Volunteer Saves Kansas Man from Gas Leak

A lunch delivery turned into a life-saving moment when Courtney Clark smelled something wrong outside a home in Hays, Kansas.

Clark, a volunteer with the local Meals on Wheels program, had just dropped off a meal in central Hays when she noticed the distinct smell of natural gas. Instead of driving away, she immediately called her supervisor at First Call for Help, and together they contacted Midwest Energy.

Sean Rodger, an electric and gas worker, arrived within minutes and confirmed the leak. He shut off the gas supply to the house and knocked on the door, but no one answered.

Rodger called 911, and the Hays Police Department entered the home to rescue the man inside. The fire department ventilated the building while utility workers traced the problem to damaged gas lines.

But the danger didn't stop there. Rodger discovered two gas appliances that weren't properly vented and were releasing carbon monoxide into the home. The odorless, colorless gas can cause headaches, dizziness, confusion, and death.

"These two women did exactly the right thing by immediately reporting the gas leak," said Cindy Strube, Midwest Energy's natural gas compliance specialist. "It's quite likely their quick thinking prevented a disaster, either from the gas leak or the carbon monoxide."

Sunny's Take

This story shows the power of paying attention. Clark wasn't rushing through her route or ignoring a strange smell. She trusted her instincts and took action.

Every year, carbon monoxide poisoning sends 14,000 Americans to the hospital and kills 400 more, according to the CDC. Most of these incidents happen outside of fires, in homes just like this one. Natural gas leaks are dangerous on their own, but the invisible carbon monoxide threat made this situation even more critical.

The man inside had no idea he was in danger. He couldn't smell the carbon monoxide, and he might not have noticed the gas leak from inside his home.

Clark's daily act of delivering meals to homebound residents created the perfect safety net. Someone was checking on this man regularly, and that routine saved his life.

Small acts of kindness create unexpected ripples of protection in our communities.