Natural gas safety

Transportation by pipeline is the safest form of energy delivery in the country. In fact, natural gas pipelines transport approximately one-fourth of the energy consumed in the United States and is delivered to customers through nearly 2.5 million miles of piping. We conscientiously monitor and maintain our pipeline systems to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of natural gas to your home.

Use Your Senses to Recognize A Natural Gas Leak

Notwithstanding the notable safety record of natural gas pipelines across the country, occasionally, leaks do occur.

If a leak does occur, here are some signs of a natural gas leak for you to be aware of:

• An odor that smells similar to rotten eggs or sulfur. This is caused by “Mercaptin,” an odor mixed with the natural gas to help identify it in the event of a leak.
• A loud roaring sound like an engine
• White vapor that looks like smoke or fog
• A hissing or whistling noise
• Fire coming out of a hole or on top of the ground
• Dirt blowing from a hole in the ground
• An area of frozen ground in the summer near a pipeline
• Patches of dead vegetation or grass near a pipeline

Here are some hazards you need to be aware of:

• Gas leaks are highly flammable and easily ignitable
• Natural gas is lighter than air
• Gas leaks displace oxygen and may cause asphyxiation
• Natural gas fires may produce irritating and corrosive vapors which may cause dizziness

To report a natural gas outage or emergency, please call 911 and 800-992-7552.

MORE ON NATURAL GAS SAFETY: ARKANSAS / OKLAHOMA

If you smell gas, act fast!

Natural gas has a distinctive, strong odor, often compared to rotten eggs or sulfur.​

INSIDE your home or building:

• Step 1: Leave immediately on foot! Do not use electric switches, telephones (including cell phones), drive or start a car or anything that could cause a spark.
• Step 2: Go directly to a safe location and call 911 and Summit Utilities at 800-992-7552. Do not use e-mail or the Internet to contact the company about a leak, and never assume someone else has reported the leak.
• Step 3: Alert your neighbors. We check suspected natural gas leaks at no cost to you.
• Step 4: Never try to repair a natural gas leak yourself. Leave all repairs to a trained technician.

OUTSIDE your home or building:

• Step 1: Leave immediately on foot! Do not use electric switches, telephones (including cell phones), start or drive a car or anything that could cause a spark. Move in a upwind direction away from the leak or vapor cloud where you can no longer smell gas​ and maintain a safe distance.
• Step 2: Go directly to a safe location and call 911 and Summit Utilities at 800-992-7552.
• Step 3: Warn others to stay away from the leak. Abandon any equipment being used in or near the area.

MORE ON NATURAL GAS SAFETY: ARKANSAS / OKLAHOMA

Always Call 811 Before You Dig!

Homeowners and contractors must call 811 before undertaking any excavation or digging projects. Calling 811 is safe, free, and the law. For your safety, you are required by law to call 811 at least two working days before you plan to dig so your underground utility lines can be marked.

How 811 works:

• Call 811 at least two working days before you need to start excavations or digging.
• Mark your proposed excavation area with stakes, flags, or painted or chalked lines that are white in color and are clearly visible.
• The 811 service will alert participating utility companies such as electric, gas, cable and telephone about the planned digging so they can mark the appropriate location of their underground lines, if necessary.
• Local utilities will then come to your home or work site and mark the location of their underground lines
• Remember, you are responsible for marking your private lines such as invisible pet fences, sprinkler systems, yard lights and gas grill lines.
• Check the area before proceeding with your project. If a member utility has not responded or if underground facilities are clearly present and not located, call 811 again to have the area located properly.
• When digging, make sure to always dig around the marks, not on them. Some utility lines may be buried at a shallow depth, and an unintended shovel thrust could result in dangerous and/or costly consequences.

Safe digging is no accident. Know what’s below. Always call before you dig. Visit www.call811.com for more information.

MORE 811 INFORMATION: ARKANSAS / OKLAHOMA

Public Utility Scams

Scammers love to draw from your emotions and quick reactions to what seems to be an urgent situation. One of their favorites is to pose as a business or government official to pressure you into sending them money or personal information. Now, some scammers are pretending to be some of your favorite shopping websites, phishing for your personal information.

In a public utility scam, criminals pose as utility company representatives and try to steal customers’ money or personal information.

To view Tips for Spotting Utility Scams, click here.

MORE INFORMATION ON PUBLIC UTILITY SCAMS: ARKANSAS / OKLAHOMA