Tips for Gas Safety

For your safety…

There is a natural gas pipeline near you.

The City of Eskridge Gas Department is located in the City of Eskridge at 110 S. Main Street and operates 55 miles of pipeline in Wabaunsee and Lyon County. Pipeline markers containing contact phone and emergency information indicate the presence of underground utilities, but may not be posted in many areas throughout the system. For more pipeline location information, phone your Kansas One-Call Service at 1-800-344-7233.

Pipelines are the safest method of transportation for natural gas.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board, pipelines are the safest mode of transportation. The City of Eskridge Gas System, with safe and continuous service since 1968 is committed to meeting or exceeding all applicable local, state and federal gas pipeline safety regulations.

Most pipeline accidents occur when individuals or companies are not aware of the location of buried utilities.

Gas pipeline markers indicate buried utilities are nearby but they do not always indicate the exact location and depth of the pipeline. Markers are generally located at road, railway and river crossings and along fence lines and property boundaries, put pipelines do not always run in a straight line and markers may not be present in certain areas. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO CALL BEFORE YOU DIG.

Safety Takes Teamwork

Identify Potential Hazards

Natural gas is odorless, colorless, and lighter than air. If released, natural gas will rise and diffuse with air rapidly. The “gas smell” most people associate with natural gas is an odorant added by local gas utilities to assist in leak detection. If you suspect a leak, immediately leave the area on foot and call appropriate emergency contacts as outlined in this brochure.

How to Recognize a Leak

Use your senses of sight and smell to help recognize the situation

  • A “gas smell”
  • Dust, water bubbles, or vegetation blowing into the air or around a pipeline
  • Discolored or dead vegetation near the pipeline
  • A shrill blowing or hissing sound
  • Bubbling in a wet area, marshland, river or creek
  • A dry spot in a moist field
  • Fire apparently coming from the ground or burning above ground
  • Impact of Land Use and Construction Practices on Safety

Always contact the Kansas One-Call Service in advance of beginning any digging, drilling, ditching or construction work no matter how small the project.

Wait for appropriate personnel to mark the specific location of the pipeline and then proceed with care.

Protect Yourself

An informed public is an essential component of safe gas pipeline operations in addition to the safety precautions outlined.

Accidents

If damage occurs to our pipeline, it is imperative that we are informed immediately for inspection, evaluation, and repairs as needed. Earthquakes, wash-out, lightening, drilling, or blasting near a pipeline may cause unseen damage to a pipeline. Even a minor dent can cause deterioration of the protective coating and present a potential hazard in the future.

If you suspect a leak or imminent danger DO:

  • Turn off machinery or equipment in the immediate area.
  • Leave on foot and clear other people away from the area.
  • If there is a gas smell in the house or building immediately leave and call from a phone away from the area.
  • Call the City of Eskridge: 785-449-2621. IF YOU FEEL DANGER IS POSING AN IMMINENT THREAT CALL 911.

DO NOT:

  • Light a cigarette or smoke in the area
  • Start an engine of any kind or drive near the area of the leak
  • Cause any friction that could cause a spark
  • Turn lights on or off or use the phone in the building or house
  • Attempt to extinguish the burning gas