Natural Gas Safety

Follow directions from the manufacturer for using and taking care of gas appliances. Seek professional help when necessary.
Keep combustibles such as papers, fluids, paints, curtains and rags away appliances.
Keep gas ranges clean, make sure burner bowls are free of used matches, grease, paper, etc.
Have a fire extinguisher near gas appliances at all times. Use a CO2 or dry-chemical extinguisher for the kitchen.
Teach children never to light or play with the controls of any gas appliances.
Keep the pilot lights of your gas range lit. If you put them out to save energy, a dangerous gas build-up can occur if someone accidentally turns on the range.
Look for a certification seal when purchasing a new gas appliance. This ensures that the equipment design meets strict safety standards.
Never use your gas range to heat your home or apartment. This practice creates a serious fire hazard and puts you and your family at risk from dangerous carbon monoxide fumes.


Call before you dig. It’s the law.
If you plan any type of excavation, construction work, or any type of digging, please:
Contact the “One Call Center” at 811. Please give 72 hours notice to allow sufficient time for the Local One Call Center personnel to notify the affected utility companies.
Respect pipeline marker placement.
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO GUESS UNDERGROUND LINE LOCATIONS.


Preventative Measures
In an effort to maintain pipeline safety, the LCPW performs the following:
Inspect mains and services during excavation
Monitor and patrol pipeline surface conditions for hazards to the pipeline.
Apply corrosion prevention measures
Inspect below ground emergency valves regularly.
Use leak detection equipment to detect whether a leak exists on the pipeline.
The equipment used by the LCPW is inspected and maintained regularly.


How to Recognize a Pipeline Leak
Fire or Explosion near a pipe line.
Smell for an unusual odor, often described as “rotten egg”.
Listen for hissing or roaring sound.
Discoloration of vegetation in close proximity to pipeline.
Unusual blowing of dirt or dust.
Persistent bubbles in water.

Emergency?
A Pipeline Emergency is any of the Following:
A fire or explosion near or directly involving a pipeline or pipeline facility.
A leaking pipeline.
A damaged or weakened pipeline.
A natural disaster affecting the pipeline such as an earthquake, flood, or soil erosion.

In Case of a Pipeline Emergency?
Procedures to follow during a Pipeline Emergency are: Immediately walk away.
Warn others to stay away or leave the area.
Do not expose the area to open flames, cell phones, pagers, motor vehicles or any other items that may ignite the gas.
If you suspect a leak, call 864.681.4300.

In an emergency call 911.