We are committed to operating our natural gas delivery systems safely. To do this, we need to make everyone in our community – residents, business owners, fire and police departments  and community leaders – aware of the pipelines running underground, whether they use natural gas or not.

In fact, the Federal Government has mandated that all distribution companies (including municipally-run departments like MG&E) must have a plan to inform people living or working near or around their pipelines about safety issues including:

Identifying pipeline locations
• Most pipelines are buried underground in roadways and many local locations are not marked. However, some markers show the approximate location in open rights-of-way. Unused and capped lines may still exist on private property as well. The only sure way to know where pipes are present is to call for a free location marking before any ground is disturbed.

• Digging safely to avoid contact
• In Massachusetts, www.digsafe.com is the one place to call to be sure where pipes and other important utility lines are present. Utility members will mark out any of these potential hazards and help you avoid serious damage. Anyone digging near utility lines must call – it’s free, it’s safe and it’s the law!

• Recognizing a potential emergency
• A gas leak is usually recognized by smell (a distinctive, pungent odor similar to rotten eggs), sight (a white cloud, blowing dust, mist or bubbles in standing water) or sound (an unusual roaring, hissing or whistling).

• Calling for help in an emergency
• Leave! Move to a safe environment and then call us immediately. Do not smoke or operate electric switches, appliances or equipment when you suspect a gas leak. And do not assume someone else will report the condition.

• Learning more to prevent damage
• You can learn more vital information, including much more about recognizing pipeline locations and operations, by visiting the Public Awareness website for the Northeast Gas Association.

All of our customers will be mailed a brochure which details these important issues and gives clear instruction on recognizing the signs of a natural gas emergency and what to do. We ask that you join us in this commitment to awareness and safety by reading this information completely and contacting us with any questions.

If you work with a local community organization, we will be glad to speak with your group to share these important lessons. Call or email the Public Communications Manager in our Company Directory to arrange this presentation. Remember – safety is everyone’s business.