Last Updated 06/16/2006

Cost - efficient, clean burning natural gas plays a vital role in everyone's lives.   According to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), over 3.6 million residential, commercial and industrial customers throughout Ohio depend on natural gas to meet their energy needs.  It is very important that everyone, including utilities, members of the general public, emergency officials, public officials and excavators, work together to not only dig safely, but also know how to recognize and respond to a natural gas leak.

When it comes to detecting a gas leak, it's best to trust your senses:

Smell: To help you smell a natural gas leak, a familiar odor like rotten eggs is added to gas.

See:  Near a gas leak, you might see blowing dirt, bubbling water or an unusual area of dead vegetation.

Hear:  A leaking pipeline might make a hissing sound you can hear.

If you suspect a natural gas leak, do the following:

Walk away.  Leave the area immediately.  Do not try to find or stop the leak.

Do not do anything to create a spark, like lighting a cigarette, using a cell phone, starting a car, or turning on or off lights. 

Call KNG immediately at 419-424-3427 or 1-800-434-3427.

What to do in the Event of a Natural Gas Emergency

General Public & Excavators

● Immediately leave on area, on foot in an upwind direction

● Avoid possible ignition sources

● Abandon all power equipment being used in the area

● Do not drive into the area of the leak

● Warn others to stay clear of the area

● Do not try to operate any pipeline valves yourself

● From a safe distance call KNG Energy and 911

Public Officials & Emergency Responders

● Call KNG at 419-424-3427 or 1-800-434-3427 as soon as possible

● If necessary, evacuate people to an upwind area

● Secure the area around the leak.  Reroute traffic if necessary

● If the pipeline leak is not burning, take steps to prevent ignition

● If the pipeline leak is burning, take steps to prevent secondary fires, but DO NOT attempt to extinguish a pipeline fire unless instructed to do so by KNG 

Identifying & Protecting Gas Lines

Pipeline right-of-ways must be kept clear of any buildings, structure, trees, landscaping, fence post, poles or other “encroachments” which might damage and restrict access to the pipeline.  The right-of-way protects the public as well as the pipeline.  If you notice any possible encroachments to KNG pipeline right-of-way or if you need to install a structure near the right-of-way, please call KNG at 419-424-3427 or 1-800-434-3427.

Pipeline markers are located along our pipeline right-of-way to help identify the approximate location of our pipelines.  Pipeline markers list the material transported, our name and our telephone number so you can reach us in an emergency.  If you know of a damaged or missing marker, please call to report the location.

Digging Near a Pipeline

KNG Energy needs your help to prevent pipeline emergencies.  Third party damage from unauthorized digging is the leading cause of pipeline incidents or leaks.  Before exposing a KNG pipeline you must first call 1-800-434-3427 so we can be present. 

Before anyone begins construction or excavation, it's required by law to have underground utilities marked at least two working days in advance.  The Ohio Underground Protection Service "OUPS" runs a "one-call" system and by calling 1-800-362-2764 all member utilities will be notified to mark their lines in the correct areas.

There are six simple steps to safe digging:

● Call 1-800-362-2764 before you dig

● Do not dig before waiting the required 48 hours for marking

● Respect the marks.  Pipeline markers indicate there is a line in the area.  They do not indicate the specific location of the pipeline

● Do not make unauthorized use of pipeline right-of-ways

● Dig with care.  Hand dig and probe until the pipeline is exposed.  Do not use power equipment around gas lines. 

● When backfilling, provide proper support for the pipeline and ensure adequate soil cover on top.  Use rock-free material to protect the pipeline.

If you come in contact with a gas line while excavating call the gas company that operates the line.  We can be reached 24 hours per day at 1-800-434-3427.   Even  minor contact, such as a small dent, chip or scratch, can cause major damage down the road if not properly taken care of.

                  For more information regarding safe digging, please visit 

www.safegasohio.org or www.oups.org