SAN DIEGO, Dec. 14, 2006 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) operates more than 14,000 miles of natural gas pipelines throughout the county. Though rare, leaks in natural gas pipelines can occur due to natural disasters, damage by third-party contractors, or hidden corrosion. Gas leaks can be detected by smell, sound and sight.
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SDG&E officials say pipeline safety is a top priority and the company works to meet or exceed federal and state requirements for safe pipeline operations and maintenance. To help customers learn more about the location of natural gas lines, how to recognize a pipeline leak and what to do in the event of a gas leak, SDG&E offers these safety tips:
-- Most natural gas pipelines are buried underground. Major
pipeline routes are marked above ground using high-visibility
markers. Markers are mostly found where a pipeline intersects a
street, highway or rail line. However, most lower-pressure
lines used to serve residential neighborhoods and businesses are
not marked. That is why it is important to know where they are
buried before digging for any reason.
-- To ensure your safety and to comply with California state law,
call Underground Service Alert toll-free at (800) 227-2600 at
least two workdays before you plan to dig to have utility lines
marked at no cost.
-- If there is a leak, one most likely will smell the distinctive
odor that is added to natural gas so that leaks can be easily
detected.
-- There may also be a hissing, whistling or roaring sound near a
pipeline.
-- And, there may be dead or dying vegetation over or near a
pipeline, or there could be fire.
If a leak is suspected:
-- Stay calm.
-- Don't light a match, candle or cigarette, and don't turn
electrical devices -- not even a light switch -- on or off.
-- Move away from the area where the leak is suspected and call
SDG&E immediately at (800) 411-SDGE (7343) or the local fire
department.
Additional safety information can be found at SDG&E's Web site at www.sdge.com/safety.
SDG&E is a regulated public utility that provides safe and reliable energy service to 3.4 million consumers through 1.3 million electric meters and more than 825,000 natural gas meters in San Diego and southern Orange counties. The utility's area spans 4,100 square miles. Exceptional customer service is a priority of SDG&E as it seeks to enhance the region's quality of life. SDG&E is a regulated subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE:SRE). Sempra Energy, based in San Diego, is a Fortune 500 energy services holding company.
