Quick Start Guide Natural Gas Utilities

SECTION 03: KEY SAFETY MESSAGES

• Store flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches and away from appliances (see “Flammable Ignition Awareness” section, page 68). • Know how to turn off the main natural gas service at the meter if instructed to do so. • Never turn your natural gas service back on yourself. Only your local natural gas utility may restore gas service. • After a disaster, check for the odor of natural gas and other leak indicators before entering any structure or area. • If you suspect a natural gas leak, warn others, leave immediately, and call 911 and your local natural gas utility from a safe location at least 300 feet away from the suspected leak area. • If natural gas appliance or equipment connections are damaged or defective, have them inspected and repaired only by a qualified technician. • Replace any appliance that has been submerged in water.

You may also want to recommend that people consult FEMA or the Department of Homeland Security for more information.

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Developing a Public Safety Communications Program