It’s Spring in Dayton. Time for families to plant trees, shrubs, bushes, and to install outdoor hardscapes.
Tilling the soil for a home garden? Drilling a well? Installing loops for a geothermal comfort system? Installing a kids’ playset for family fun? Adding a deck?
Lisa Crosley, President, Lifestyle Comfort Solutions, shares practical steps to protect the more than two million miles of underground pipelines crisscrossing the United States which bring natural gas, CO2, and hazardous liquids through your yard each year.
Always Call Before You Dig, then Dig with Care!
It’s easy. Dial 8-1-1, 2 to 3 days before you plan to dig. Markers will be placed to identify pipeline locations. Respect the marks and dig carefully near the pipeline. Markers indicate the pipeline right-of-way, not the exact location of the pipeline. Stay alert!
Look, Listen and Smell for Signs of a Leak
- Dead vegetation, liquid on the ground, dirt blown into the air, fire, a dense white cloud, or frozen ground are warning signs of trouble
- Hissing or roaring sound
- Strong smell: sulfur added to natural gas, or mile fragrant odor (Ethanol)
If You Suspect a Leak
Never ignore a leak. Report it immediately. Call 9-1-1 even if you think you may be at fault.
- Leave the area immediately and warn others to stay away.
- Do not use matches, strike a fire, or use any electrical device which could trigger an explosion
- CALL 9-1-1, NOT 8-1-1. Leaks require professional management to protect your eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Do not touch or try to operate pipeline valves on your own.
- Report dents, scrapes, or other damage to a pipeline even if a leak does not occur. Even minor damage may require repair to prevent a serious accident later.
- Do not drive your car into an area of potential leak.
When it comes to our utility pipelines, out of sight shouldn’t mean out of mind. Call Before Your Dig! Report problems. Stay safe!
