First Responder Safety Information
Emergency Responders Play Key Role in Okaloosa Gas District Safety Effort
Every day, over two million miles of underground pipeline safely transport and distribute natural gas to millions of consumers in the United States. From design and construction to operations and maintenance, natural gas pipeline companies and utilities like Okaloosa Gas District set high standards to keep this system incident-free. A key component of this safety commitment involves having an emergency preparedness plan in place and partnering with local emergency responders. “When responding to a natural gas pipeline emergency, we all must work together to keep residents safe, especially since emergency officials may be the first ones on the scene,” explains Chris Hiestand, Vice President of Operations for the District.
To better coordinate response efforts, Okaloosa Gas District wants to remind emergency officials of the proper procedures to follow if dispatched to a natural gas leak or incident.
“Our employees go through rigorous training on both safety inspection procedures and emergency preparedness,” says Hiestand. “We have a plan in place in case of a natural gas incident, and we need our partners and neighbors, including our local emergency officials, to be familiar with it as well.”
Although Okaloosa Gas District holds timely briefings to train emergency officials and share our emergency response plan, you may request a copy of this plan at any time by contacting Okaloosa Gas District at 850-729-4700. You can also call this number for information about upcoming training sessions and events.
Underground facilities that deliver gas, electricity, internet, and water are safe. But when they are ruptured by a shovel or digging equipment, the consequences can be inconvenient - even deadly - resulting in major road closings, evacuations, and no communications. Stopping preventable digging accidents from ending like this is the purpose behind the Underground Facility Damage Prevention and Safety Act, Chapter 556, Florida Statutes.
Who can enforce Chapter 556?
Florida's State Fire Marshal or its agents (fire chief of the special district, municipality, or county), local or state law enforcement officers, government code inspectors, and code enforcement officers.
What can you do?
When you see digging, make sure the excavator has a valid ticket, that marks are present and that digging did not start too early. With the new $2,500 enhanced penalty for violations involving PHMSA-regulated lines gas company representatives may contact you to issue a citation.
For more information, please call 850-729-4700.
Here are some simple safety dos and don’ts for emergency officials to keep in mind if dispatched to a pipeline incident (keep in mind that these tips are general guidelines; they do not replace any steps outlined in an emergency response plan):
IF YOU SUSPECT A PIPELINE LEAK
DON’T…
• Never operate any of our pipeline system equipment.
• Try to put out a natural gas fire.
• Turn vehicles or equipment on or off or use a device that might create a spark, like a cell phone, flashlight, etc.
DO…
• Call us at 850-729-4700 if you are the first to respond to the incident.
• Protect the public by evacuating and securing the area and providing traffic control and emergency services if necessary.
• Let escaping gas burn if on fire.
• Use only intrinsically safe equipment.
• Use a combustible gas indicator to determine the location of the leak.
• Avoid open flames or other sources of ignition.
• Abandon nearby vehicles and equipment.
• Leave the vicinity immediately by foot.
• Warn others to stay away from the area.
Check out the latest edition of Pipeline Emergency Response Guidelines and the Pipeline Awareness brochure from our friends at the Pipeline Association for Public Awareness. It's easy to read and download. Please share the information with your colleagues and employees.
Pipeline Emergency ResponsePipeline Awareness
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 at https://www.npms.phmsa.dot.gov/
The American Public Works Association designated uniform color codes for underground facilities. The chart shows the colors and designated facilities.
Utility flag marker colors and their meaning:
- Red: Electric
- Yellow: Gas, Oil, Steam, or Petroleum
- Orange: Communications Systems
- Blue: Potable Water
- Purple: Reclaimed Water Irrigation
- Green: Sewer and Drain Lines
- White: Proposed Excavation
- Pink: Temporary Surveying
To identify operators of major gas pipelines in your area and view maps with the general locations of these pipelines, visit the online resources below: National Pipeline Mapping System
Sign up for FREE Pipeline Safety Training
Okaloosa Gas provides comprehensive natural gas pipeline safety training for public officials, emergency responders, and utility contractors. To learn more, contact the District's Safety Specialist, Trevor Knowles at 850-729-4700 orTrevor Knowles
Don't wait- you can request training by completing this form: Natural Gas Pipeline Training
Ask us for a Scratch & Sniff Natural Gas Pamphlet
Help keep our community safe by learning to recognize the signs of a leak. Visit our office to pick up a FREE scratch-and-sniff pamphlet, or call us at 850-729-4700 to have one mailed directly to you.
