Natural Gas Safety - Corpus Christi Electric

• If you ever detect even a small amount of the odor of natural gas in the air, follow these tips:

 minimize Do not attempt to locate the leak.

 minimize Do not turn any electrical appliances on or off.

 minimize Do not smoke or use any open flames.

 minimize Do Not operate motorized equipment or vehicles, or use any device that could cause a spark or source of ignition, including telephones and cell phones.

 minimize Leave the house and, from a safe distance, call the utility company and 9-1-1.

 minimize When digging outside, if a natural gas line is damaged, call the utility immediately. Do not attempt to repair the line.

• How to tell if there might be a gas leak. The following can help determine if there could be a gas leak: SMELL - The most reliable sign of a natural gas leak is smell. Washington Gas adds an odorant called mercaptan to create the distinctive smell of sulfur or rotten eggs. SIGHT - Unexplained, random dead patch of lawn or vegetation in an otherwise green area of lawn or vegetation, unnatural bubbles in puddles and waterways (pond, creek, lake) or dirt being thrown in the air. HEARING - A hissing sound or blowing noises, typically accompanied by a gas odor.

• What are the common causes of damage to natural gas pipelines that lead to gas leaks or emergencies? One of the leading causes of gas leak emergencies are damages to the underground gas lines by individuals and contractors performing excavation work, including digging, boring and directional drilling. The majority of these incidents are the result of not following the proper damage prevention protocols as established by the “Call Before You Dig” program, 811. Anyone digging should call 811 at least two full working days before they are scheduled to begin any type of digging (excluding weekends and holidays) to report that they are planning to dig and what type of work they will be doing. Utility companies site will be notified about the possible excavation. Each affected utility company will send a locator to mark the approximate location of the nearby underground utility lines. This service is free. Using the 811 service appropriately helps to significantly reduce the risk of damage to underground utility infrastructure.

• Have all gas appliances, furnaces, vents, flues, chimneys and gas lines in your home or business inspected every year or two by qualified industry experts.

• Keep the areas around all appliances and equipment clean and unblocked to allow for proper air flow.

• Follow manufacturer instructions for the care and use of gas appliances and equipment.

• Make sure there is at least one multipurpose fire extinguisher in your home or place of business.