Superior Water, Light & Power, an ALLETE Company

A gas leak can cause:

• Hissing noises
• Unusual odor indoor or near the pipeline
• Bubbling in wet or flooded areas
• Dirt being blown into the air
• Dead or discolored vegetation near an underground pipeline
• Abnormally dry or hardened soil
• Fire or explosion near pipeline

If you suspect a leak:

• EVACUATE the building or area.
• DO NOT use cell phones or anything electrical.
• DO NOT START UP or shut down any vehicles or machinery.
• DO NOT light a match or any ignition source.
• MOVE upwind.
• DO NOT attempt to control a leak.
• If the gas is burning, let it.
• WARN others to stay clear.

Snow and ice can damage gas meters and pipes. Use a broom to keep gas service equipment clear during the winter. Chimneys and vents for gas appliances must be cleared following a major snow or ice storm to enable proper venting and prevent carbon monoxide accumulation.

Call 8-1-1 before you dig.

A damaged gas pipeline or service to a house may create an explosion hazard resulting in injury and death, severe property damage, and loss of vital service. If you are planning a project that involves digging, trenching, drilling, grading or excavation:

• Call before you dig
• Wait the required time
• Respect the marks
• Conduct a site survey
• Have an emergency plan
• Dig with care

All gas pipes downstream of the gas meter (the building side) belong to the property owner. They are responsible for maintenance and operation of this portion of the fuel line system.

• Home/property owners should be aware of buried fuel lines on their property.
• Buried gas piping should be, regularly checked for safety and inspected for leaks by a qualified technician, periodically inspected for corrosion if the piping is metallic; repaired if any unsafe condition is discovered or the flow of gas should be shut off.
• When planning to excavate, the piping should be located and marked in advance of plans to excavate. Excavating performed near the pipe should be done by hand.

Carbon monoxide is a silent killer. Assure that fuel-burning appliances are installed, maintained, and used properly and safely. That includes having an annual inspection of heating and venting equipment by a “qualified technician” prior to the heating season, and the use of a carbon monoxide alarm that meets current standards.

It is important to be aware of the symptoms of CO poisoning. Symptoms can occur immediately or more gradually after long-term exposure. Common symptoms include:

• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Headaches
• Confusion
• Nausea
• Fainting

If you have these symptoms after being in an enclosed area, get fresh air immediately and go to a hospital emergency department. Be sure to tell your doctor that you may have carbon monoxide poisoning. Call a qualified technician to check your fuel-burning appliances.

Gas space heaters are a safe way to heat if they are used properly, installed by a qualified professional and maintained correctly.

• Always have your gas heater and venting system professionally installed and inspected according to local codes.
• Do not re-install used space heaters.
• Keep gasoline, flammable liquids, and other combustible materials away from appliances and other sources of ignition.

Gasoline and other flammable liquids should never be used indoors, and should be stored in an approved container, away from children.

• Keep gasoline and other flammable liquids away from children.
• Gasoline is a motor fuel. Never use it as a cleaner.
• Never use gasoline or other flammable liquids indoors or in the same room or area as a gas appliance or other ignition source.
• Keep gasoline ONLY in an approved gasoline container. Make sure the container is tightly sealed. Never store gasoline in plastic milk jugs or glass containers.
• Never fill gasoline containers to the top. Allow room for vapor expansion.
• Store gasoline in a safe container on a high shelf, in a cool place, away from the house.
• Talk to your children about the dangers of flammable liquids products.

Make sure your water heater is set to a safe temperature. Check the water temperature before placing a child in the bathtub; never leave a child alone or with other young children in the bathtub.

Gas connectors need to be inspected regularly, and replaced as needed. Certain kinds of flexible connectors manufactured between 1970 and 1980 may fail over time and need to be replaced.

• Only a qualified professional should check your connector and replace it if needed. Don’t try to do this yourself.
• After disconnecting gas appliances, gas connectors should always be removed and the fuel line should be purged and capped.
• Gas pipes should be properly maintained and never used for unintended uses such as hanging clothes.

Disasters can occur anytime and anywhere. You can protect your family and property by being aware of the hazards and preparing for them. Follow a disaster; know what to do and what not to do in order to minimize risk and damage.

• Prepare and practice a disaster plan for your family.
• Make sure gas appliances are secured to wall studs or bolted to the floor as appropriate in earthquake prone areas.
• Defective gas connections should be inspected and repaired by a qualified technician.
• Store flammable products securely in closed cabinets and latches and away from appliances.
• Know how to turn off the main gas service at the meter instructed to do so.
• Never turn gas service back on yourself, have it done by a professional.
• After a disaster, check for the odor of gas before entering any area. If gas is detected, leave immediately and call the gas utility from another location.
• Replace any appliance that has been submerged in water.

You may also wish to refer to FEMA (www.fema.gov) or the department of HOMELAND Security (www.ready.gov) for more information.