Quick Start Guide Natural Gas Utilities

SECTION 03: KEY SAFETY MESSAGES

Who: Key Audiences & Languages Your customers are the target audience for this topic. Also consider targeting trade professionals who have access to natural gas appliances, such as installers, plumbers, and heating/cooling contractors. Consumers • New and existing customers • Males and females 18 years and older • Adult “do-it-yourself” (DIY) audience, people who may disconnect an old appliance

Trade Professionals • Plumbing contractors • Heating/cooling contractors • Appliance installers

What: Core Messages The core message is the most important point or essential idea to be understood and remembered by the target audience. The message for this topic is: If your home or business was built after 1990, or you’ve had work done to the natural gas system, it is likely that corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) was installed. If lightning strikes a structure containing improperly installed CSST, the lightning will travel along the structure’s natural gas piping and could cause a leak or fire. Consult a licensed electrician to ensure your CSST is safe.

The message can be supported with the following:

• Have a professional inspect your building or home for CSST if you cannot do it yourself. If you find CSST, have a licensed electrician make sure it’s bonded and grounded properly. • All types of natural gas pipes should be properly maintained and never used for unintended purposes, like hanging clothes or children’s play.

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Developing a Public Safety Communications Program