The following protocol is outside of those actions to be taken by 911 dispatch. The following guidelines are designed to ensure the safety of those in the area if a natural gas pipeline leak is suspected or detected:

Secure the area around the leak to a safe distance. Because vapors from products transported in pipelines can migrate great distances, it is important to avoid creating ignition sources in the area. If safe, evacuate people from homes, businesses, schools, and other places of congregation. Controlling access to the site may be required in some incident scenarios. Sheltering in place may be the safest action if the circumstances make going outdoors dangerous.

Evacuate or shelter in place. Depending on the levels of natural gas and other variables, it may be necessary to evacuate the public or have them shelter in place. The location of the incident and the evacuation route will determine the appropriate procedure, but both may be necessary. If evacuation is needed, move people upwind of the incident. Involving the pipeline company is crucial in making this decision.

• Do Not create any potential source of ignition such as an electrical switch, vehicle ignition, lighting a road flare, etc.
• Do Not start motor vehicles or electrical equipment
• Do Not ring doorbells. Knock with your hand instead of the door knocker to avoid potential sparks
• Do Not drive into a leak or vapor cloud at any time

If the pipeline leak is burning

• Attempt to control the spread of the fire, but:
• Do Not attempt to extinguish a natural gas fire. Natural gas is lighter than air; however, when extinguished, it may still collect in a confined area and explode if reignited by a secondary ignition source.
• Do Not attempt to operate any pipeline valves yourself. You may inadvertently route more product to the leak or cause a secondary incident.
• Do Not come into direct contact with any escaping liquid or gas
• Establish a unified command center. Work with pipeline representatives as you develop a plan to address the emergency.

The pipeline representatives will need to know

• Your contact information and the location of the emergency
• Size, characteristics, and behavior of the incident, and if there are any primary or secondary fi res
• Any injuries or deaths
• The proximity of the incident to any structures, buildings, etc.
• Any environmental concerns such as bodies of water, grasslands, endangered wildlife, and fish.