NATURAL GAS PUBLIC AWARENESS
Please study this information on natural gas awareness and emergencies, and keep it for future reference. Your awareness and understanding of pipelines will enhance your personal safety, as well as that of others. Pipelines are one of the safest modes of transporting natural gas, and the City of Wetmore is committed to safely operating its pipelines. There are several miles of natural gas pipelines in the City of Wetmore, and there is a very good chance that one exists near you, or even enters into your home/business.
Natural gas is odorless, colorless, and lighter than air. If released in an open area outside of a structure or building, natural gas will rise and diffuse with air rapidly. If released in an enclosed area, natural gas will not diffuse as quickly, and could reach dangerously explosive levels in a shorter period of time. The “Gas Smell” most people associate with natural gas, is an odorant added by the City of Wetmore, and most likely will smell like rotten eggs. If you think you recognize a natural gas leak in or outside a structure, immediately leave the area and call the City of Wetmore at (785) 866-2020. If no answer DO NOT leave a message. Call 911.
The City of Wetmore responds to pipeline emergencies and performs the required maintenance on the gas lines located within the Right of Way / Easement. You are required to keep the area on either side of a pipeline, INCLUDING UTILITY METERS, within the Right of Way / Easement clear of obstructions, e.g., trees, shrubs, buildings, fences, structures or any other encroachments that might interfere with the access to the pipeline. Please contact the City of Wetmore at (785-866-2020) if you have any questions concerning these issues.
WHAT NOT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT A NATURAL GAS LEAK:
• DO NOT light a match, start an engine or automobile, use the telephone, use the door bell or switch an electric light switch on/off near the suspected emergency area.
• DO NOT light a cigarette or smoke in the area.
• DO NOT cause any friction that could cause a spark.
• DO NOT use ANY type of phone (including cell phones) while near the suspected emergency area.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT A NATURAL GAS LEAK:
• Immediately leave the area -on foot- in an upwind direction.
• Avoid potential ignition sources.
• Warn others to stay away from the area.
• From a safe distance, call the numbers listed above.
Natural gas leaks will take the path of least resistance, therefore following your underground lines, and could migrate into your house/business. Also: Be cautiously aware of any gas smell around construction sites, this could be the result of a damaged line. For additional information call 785-866-2020.
EXCAVATOR REQUIREMENTS: CALL BEFORE YOU DIG! WAIT THE REQUIRED AMOUNT OF TIME BEFORE DIGGING! RESPECT THE MARKS! DIG WITH CARE!
**DON’T FORGET, IT’S REQUIRED BY LAW TO CALL KANSAS ONE-CALL AT 1-800-344-7233 OR 811 BEFORE YOU DIG! ALSO: CHECK WITH THE CITY OF WETMORE FOR RIGHT-OF-WAY ENCROACHMENT REQUIREMENTS. **