Natural Gas Pipeline Safety Information

Putting Safety first

We routinely perform pipeline safety tasks, including patrolling, testing, repairing, and replacing pipelines. We meet or exceed all federal and state requirement for safe pipeline operations and maintenance, including ongoing technical training and testing for employees. Our goal is to identify and resolve potential problems before a major problem occurs. Okaloosa Gas has implemented a rigorous integrity management program in highly populated areas. We use the latest safety inspection tools to determine pipe condition and help ensure that the pipelines are being maintained safely. In order to perform these important inspections, the area around our pipelines must be clear of shrubs, trees, fences and other structures.

Call 811 before you dig. It’s free!

Pipelines may be located anywhere, including under streets and sidewalks. Since you are a Okaloosa Gas customer, there are most likely pipelines underground on your property. That is why it is important to know where they are before digging for any reason. Call 811, at least two workdays before you begin. This can help avoid costly damage or injury. 811 will coordinate with Okaloosa Gas and other utilities to mark the location of buried utility-owned gas pipelines and other utility owned lines-free of charge. Once all lines are marked, carefully use only hand tools to dig within 24 inches of marked gas lines. NO DAMAGE IS TOO SMALL TO REPORT. Even a slight gouge, scrape or dent to a pipeline or coating may cause a dangerous break or leak in the future. If you cause what seems to be ONLY minor damage to a pipeline, OR ANY COMPONENT ATTACHED TO THE PIPELINE, you should STILL notify us immediately by calling 729-4700. Markers indicate major pipelines near you Most natural gas pipelines are buried underground.

Markers purposely indicate only the general, not exact, location of pipelines.

Markers also do not indicate the depth or number of pipelines in the area. To identify operators of major gas pipelines in your area and view maps* with the general locations of these pipelines, visit the National Pipeline Mapping System website: www.npms.phmsa.dot.gov

How to detect a natural gas leak

For your protection, Okaloosa Gas adds a distinctive odor to natural gas so leaks can be more readily detected. However, you should not rely on your sense of smell alone to determine if you have a gas leak. Some persons may not be able to smell the odor because they have a diminished sense of smell or because the odor is being masked by other odors in the area. In addition, certain conditions, such as odor fade, (loss of odorant) may cause the odor to diminish so that it is not detectable.

Signs of a gas leak

 It’s important to know that any of the following signs may indicate the presence of a gas leak; the distinctive odor of natural gas, a damaged connection to a gas appliance, a hissing, whistling or roaring sound near a gas appliance or a pipeline, dead or dying vegetation (in an otherwise moist area) over or near pipeline areas, a fire or explosion near a pipeline, dirt or water being thrown in the air, or exposed pipeline after an earthquake, fire, flood or other disaster.

What to do if you suspect a natural gas leak

Remain calm. Don’t light a match, candle or cigarette. Don’t turn electrical appliances or lights on or off. From a safe location, call Okaloosa Gas at 850-729-4700, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or call 911. For more information, visit: okaloosagas.com

Your Home's Gas Lines

Okaloosa Gas maintains natural gas piping along roadways and up to and including your gas meter. Each customer is responsible for the periodic inspection of all above ground and buried piping on the “house side” of the meter. If you notice leaking, corroded piping, or any unsafe condition, you should report the problem to Okaloosa Gas immediately at 850-729-4700 or have a qualified contractor repair the piping.