NATURAL GAS DEPARTMENT

Nick Hendricks Director of Gas Utilities Diane Whetstine Administrative Assistant Phone Number:   704-734-4516 Fax Number:       704-734-4500 Office Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.,  Monday – Friday

NOTE: In the event of an emergency, after our regular business hours call the City of Kings Mountain Police Department at 704-734-0444 or 911

WORKING TOGETHER FOR SAFETY

The City of Kings Mountain natural gas system is designed, installed, tested, and operated to comply with regulatory standards.  Our employees are trained to safely transport to many homes and businesses a clean and efficient form of energy.  As one of the many people who live or work near our system, you can help keep it safe.  The following information will help you: Know how to report a gas leak Know what to do if a leak occurs Know how to recognize a natural gas leak Know how to notify us with your intention to dig Recognize a pipeline emergency

CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION

CUSTOMER OWNED BURIED PIPING

Pipeline Safety Regulations, Title 49, Part 192 of the Code of Federal Regulations, requires that the City, as a operator of a Natural Gas System, inform all of its’ customers of the following information:

1.     Kings Mountain DOES NOT maintain customer owned buried piping. This is the piping from the outlet side of the gas meter that runs UNDERGROUND to supply gas to all appliances.

2.     All buried gas piping should be:

• Periodically inspected for leaks
• If metallic, piping should be inspected for corrosion
• Repaired or replaced, if unsafe conditions are found
• Plumbers & Heating contractors can  assist you in locating, inspecting and repairing your customer owned piping

CALL BEFORE YOU DIG   1-800-632-4949

The number one cause of pipeline leaks is damage from construction equipment, earth moving equipment, and power tools owned and operated by persons other than Gas department personnel.  If you plan to do construction or excavation work, please call the North Carolina One Call Center at 1-800-632-4949 or contact the City of Kings Mountain Gas Department at 704-734-4516 to have the gas lines located and marked at no cost to you.  A 48 hour notification, excluding holidays and weekends, is required.  During the excavation around the pipeline if you hit, scratch, or touch the pipeline-contact us immediately.  A dent, scrape, gouge, crease, or bend in the pipe may cause a future safety problem.

IF YOU SUSPECT A GAS LEAK YOU SHOULD:

• Immediately leave the area on foot
• Avoid contact with gas vapors
• Avoid al potential ignition sources
• Do not light matches, smoke, start any equipment, use a telephone, or operate any electrical switches
• Do not use a cell phone in the area of the suspected gas leak
• Warn others to stay away from the area
• Do not drive into an area in which you encounter a vapor cloud
• Evacuate the area or building if necessary
• From a safe distance you should phone the Gas Dept. at 704-734-4516 or call 911 or the Police and Fire departments in your area

Kings Mountain Fire Department—704-734-0555

Kings Mountain Police Department—704-734-0444 

RECOGNIZING A NATURAL GAS LEAK 

• If a natural gas leak occurs, your senses will help you identify the leak.  Look or listen for:
• Blowing dust or vegetation
• Dead or dying vegetation around otherwise green plants that are near a pipeline
• A dry spot in a moist field
• Bubbles in a wet area, river, or creek
• Fire or explosion near a pipeline
• A hissing sound

RECOGNIZE A PIPELINE EMERGENCY!

• A leaking pipeline
• A damaged or weakened pipeline
• An explosion or fire near or involving a pipeline or pipeline facility
• A natural disaster affecting a pipeline, such as earthquake, flood, or soil erosion

PROTECTING GAS METERS

The Gas Company will choose a location that is visible and safe for the gas meter.  Meter location should provide protection from autos, lawnmowers, or any other outside forces which could cause a hazardous condition. Do not chain or tie animals or objects to gas meters. Keep area around meters clear of debris and clutter.

CARBON MONOXIDE GAS

Carbon Monoxide gas is a by-product of burning fuel, any fuel, natural gas included.  The symptoms of poisoning are: headaches, nausea, vomiting and death.  If you suspect you have an improper burning gas appliance or a problem with a vent system, call your service person as soon as possible and have them check and make repairs as needed.  If you suspect you have a gas leak, you should notify the Gas Company as soon as possible.  

PIPELINE AREA INDENTIFICATION