Dealing with Natural Gas Emergencies
Natural gas emergencies can hinder emergency response efforts for utility companies in any sector – electric, water and gas. Why? Because natural gas emergencies are safety hazards, plain and simple. Explosions could occur, and people can die. It’s a risk that, when known, might be too great to take, which means delaying restoration work until all is clear. Unfortunately, most times gas disasters happen without warning.
How to Maximize Restoration Safety During Natural Gas Emergencies
Protocols regarding how first responders like firefighters can be safe during natural gas emergencies are relevant for utility crews trying to restore service during disaster scenarios. There are many excellent articles on this topic, including this one. Here are some of the best recommendations I’ve seen:
- Understand the type of gas that presents the risk – is it gas or propane for example? The answer will influence how the situation is addressed.
- Do not rely on odor alone – the familiar methane smell added to natural gas dissipates when released, so a lack of odor does not necessarily mean all is clear.
- Control the perimeter of the compromised area, and make sure the only people in the danger zone are those whose presence is critical.
- Do not introduce any ignition sources into the immediate area.
- When in doubt, call in the experts to help assess the situation.
In the final analysis, it does not matter if you work for a natural gas utility or not – if you are on the front lines recovering from emergency events, utility personnel included, you must take extreme precautions during natural gas emergencies.
