LOS ANGELES, Dec. 14, 2006 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Southern California Gas Co. (The Gas Company) operates more than 90,000 miles of natural gas pipelines throughout Southern California. 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.
A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=3138
Gas Company 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, The Gas Company 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 The
Gas Company immediately at (800) 427-2200 or the local fire
department.
Additional safety information can be found at The Gas Company's Web site at www.socalgas.com/safety.
The Gas Company is the nation's largest natural gas distribution utility, providing safe and reliable energy to 19.8 million consumers through 5.6 million meters. The company's service territory encompasses approximately 20,000 square miles in most of central and Southern California. The Gas Company strives to provide exceptional customer service to enhance the quality of life in the community. The Gas Company is a regulated subsidiary of Sempra Energy (NYSE:SRE). Sempra Energy, based in San Diego, is a Fortune 500 energy services holding company.
