Natural Gas Safety
Using LCPW's Natural Gas Service Safely
Laurens CPW is responsible for providing clean, efficient natural gas energy to our customers as part of our commitment to providing exceptional utility services. Natural gas offers a tremendous value to customers, but as with all electricity services, it must be used safely and responsibly. If your are interested in our switch-to-gas program, please contact our office.
Safety for Natural Gas Appliances
- Follow directions from the manufacturer for using and maintaining gas appliances. Seek professional repair and maintenance help as needed.
- Keep combustibles such as papers, fluids, paints, curtains, and rags away from appliances.
- Keep gas ranges clean, and make sure burner bowls are free of used matches, grease, paper, or other items.
- Have a fire extinguisher near gas appliances at all times. Use a CO2 or dry-chemical extinguisher in the kitchen.
- Teach children to never light or play with the controls of any gas appliances.
- Keep the pilot lights on 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.
- When purchasing a new gas appliance, look for a certification seal to ensure that the equipment design meets strict safety standards.
- Never use your gas range to heat your home or apartment. This poses serious fire hazard and can potentially expose you and your family to dangerous carbon monoxide fumes.
Call Before You Dig
If you plan any type of excavation, construction work, or digging, please:
- Contact the “One Call Center” at 811.
- Give 72 hours' notice to allow sufficient time for the Local One Call Center personnel to notify the affected utility companies.
- Respect pipeline marker placements.
Preventative Measures for Pipeline Safety
In an effort to maintain pipeline safety, 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.
- Regularly inspect below-ground emergency valves.
- 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 pipeline.
- An unusual odor, often described as “rotten egg”.
- Hissing or roaring sounds.
- Discoloration of vegetation near the pipeline.
- Unusual blowing of dirt or dust.
- Persistent bubbles in water.
What Is a Pipeline Emergency?
- 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
- 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.