NOTICE: In case of an Emergency, call:  911 and 800-925-0705. 

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Natural Gas Safety

IN EMERGENCIES MOVE TO A SAFE DISTANCE 
AND THEN CALL 911 AND 1.800.925.0705

Because your safety comes first

1

Immediate Evacuation

Leave the leak area immediately.

2

Avoid Ignition Sources

Do not light a match, start an engine, use a telephone or cell phones, turn light switches on or off, or do anything that may create a spark.

3

Emergency Contact

Give your name, phone number, a description of the leak and its location to the operator.

4

Public Safety Alert

Warn others to evacuate the area. (Don’t drive into a leak or vapor cloud area.)

HOW TO RECOGNIZE A GAS LEAK

Gas leaks, while rare, are extremely dangerous.
Use these tips to identify if a leak is present.

SIGHT

Look for dust blowing in the air, a white cloud or fog, persistent bubbling in standing water, or discolored vegetation.

SOUND

Listen for any unusual noise coming from the pipeline, like a hissing or roaring sound. 

SMELL

A strong odor, like rotten eggs, will often accompany a pipeline leak.

Universal Natural Gas will immediately dispatch personnel to the site of any leak to help handle the emergency and provide information to public safety officials to aid in the response to the emergency. We will also take the necessary operating actions to minimize the impact of a leak.

We need your help in preventing pipeline emergencies. Records show that damage from excavation-related activities, particularly from equipment digging into pipelines, is the leading cause of pipeline accidents. Without proper coordination, excavation activities in the vicinity of underground pipelines can result in very dangerous situations.

Gas mains are often installed in road rights-of-way and dedicated utility easements. It’s important that YOU know if a pipeline runs through your property or through a property where you are doing excavation work.

LOOK FOR PIPELINE MARKERS

pipeline markers

Look for these signs: White posts with bright yellow warning signs. Our pipelines are buried underground. These posts are used to show the approximate location of the pipelines. Look in road rights-of-way, at intersections, and along fence lines. Check today for pipeline markers posted nearby or on your property, or in your neighborhood, or at a work location.

You should be aware of any markers in and around your neighborhood or work location. Write down the name and phone number of the pipe line company listed on the marker and keep it in a safe place in case of an emergency involving the pipeline.

BURIED UTILITIES ARE EVERYWHERE

PLEASE REMEMBER – the pipeline or utility marker cannot be relied upon to show the exact location of the underground pipeline. The pipeline may not follow a straight course between markers. Never assume the pipeline is too deep to be hit.

  • To protect yourself and the pipeline, contact your local One-Call System at 811 before you dig or excavate anywhere near the pipeline
  • If you dig or excavate and make any contact at all with the pipeline, or cause what seems to be even minor damage, please advise us immediately. It is important that we inspect and repair ANY damage to the line.

IN THE EVENT OF A PIPELINE EMERGENCY, TAKE STEPS YOU DEEM NECESSARY TO SAFEGUARD THE PUBLIC.

The following suggestions are offered as a guide:

  • Secure the area around the leak to a safe distance. This could include the evacuation of people from homes, businesses, schools, and other locations, as well as the erection of barricades to control access to the emergency site and similar precautions.
  • If the pipeline leak is not burning, take steps to prevent ignition. This includes prohibiting smoking, rerouting traffic, and shutting off the electricity.
  • If the pipeline leak is burning, try to prevent the spread of fire, but do not attempt to extinguish it. Burning petroleum products will not explode. If the fire is extinguished, gas and vapor will collect and could explode when reignited by secondary fires.
  • Do not attempt to operate any of the valves on the pipeline. Improper operation of the pipeline valves could make the situation worse and cause other accidents to happen.
  • Contact the pipeline company as quickly as possible. Pipeline marker signs show the pipeline company’s name, emergency telephone number, and pipeline contents. Our toll-free 24-hour number is 1-800-925-0705