Natural gas is delivered to homes and businesses across the U.S. through millions of miles of underground pipelines, with billions of dollars invested annually in safety.* Behind the scenes, work continues 24/7 to ensure the reliability of natural gas systems through regular inspections, pipeline patrols, pressure monitoring, and other measures.
Public awareness is essential to natural gas safety, and we're dedicated to sharing information to keep you informed. From safe digging practices to how to respond to a gas leak, these tips are designed to help ensure that you, your family, and your neighbors stay safe.
Whether you're planting a tree or installing a mailbox, it's important to know what's below the surface before you dig. Notify 811 at least two working days before you start any excavation project, either by calling or by submitting a ticket at AR811.org.
After contacting 811, mark your proposed excavation area with white stakes, flags, or paint—the designated color for planned digging. Also mark any private underground lines, such as sprinkler systems, gas grill lines, or invisible pet fences.
Once utility companies have marked their lines, carefully dig around the marked areas—never directly on the lines.
In the event of a natural gas emergency, leave the area immediately on foot, avoid using electrical devices, move upwind to a safe distance, and call 911 and us at 800-883-3181.
Although regular monitoring and maintenance help keep natural gas systems safe, leaks can still occur. Natural gas leaks can often be detected with your senses:
Sight – White vapor that looks like smoke
Smell – Rotten egg odor (from added mercaptan)
Hearing – Hissing, whistling, or loud roaring sounds
If you suspect a leak, act quickly to protect yourself and alert trained professionals:
Leave immediately – Move uphill or upwind and avoid using electrical devices.
Call for help – Call 911 or your local emergency responders, then call us at 800-883-3181.
Warn others – Keep people away from the area until emergency personnel arrive.
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can be produced when fuel-burning equipment is not properly ventilated. Exposure to high levels of CO can be dangerous, so it's important to take precautions to help keep your home safe:
• Install carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas
• Never operate gasoline-powered engines or charcoal or propane grills in enclosed areas
• Never use your stove or oven to heat your home
• Regularly clear snow and ice from outdoor appliance vents, including furnaces, water heaters, and dryers
• Have a qualified professional inspect and maintain chimneys, heating systems, and gas appliances annually
• Store fuels such as gasoline or kerosene in sealed containers away from living areas
Common signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include headaches, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, confusion, and blurred vision. If you experience any of these symptoms, move to fresh air immediately, open windows and doors if possible, and call 911 or us at 800-883-3181.
The natural gas meter outside your home plays an important role in the safe delivery of natural gas. While meters are built to withstand harsh weather conditions, there are a few ways you can help keep them accessible and protected:
• Maintain at least three feet of clear space around your meter
• Never tie pet leashes, clotheslines, or other items to your meter
• Regularly check for debris, branches, or overgrown vegetation around the meter
• During cold weather, carefully remove snow and ice with a broom and maintain a clear path for technicians in case of emergency
There are two types of natural gas piping: customer-owned and utility-owned. We maintain the underground service line leading to the meter, while customers are responsible for the buried and aboveground piping that carries natural gas from the meter to appliances.
Customer-owned piping should be visually inspected periodically for leaks or corrosion. We recommend having a qualified professional inspect underground piping at least once every five years to help ensure it remains in safe working condition.
Natural gas pipelines are often installed using underground boring technology to minimize disruption to roads and landscaping. Existing utility facilities are located before construction begins, but some private underground facilities—such as unmapped sewer lines—cannot always be detected by above-ground locating equipment. In rare cases, these lines may be accidentally struck, resulting in a "cross bore."
If you experience a sewer blockage and suspect a cross bore, do not use a sewer-cleaning machine until the obstruction is identified. Instead, ask your sewer-cleaning professional to contact us first. We will locate and mark our natural gas pipeline at no charge to help ensure the work is completed safely.
Just by taking a few simple steps around the house and staying alert, you can enjoy the benefits of natural gas to keep your daily life running smoothly.
Looking for more natural gas safety tips? Visit our safety page to learn more.
Facebook
LinkedIn