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A public safety official must take whatever steps are necessary to safeguard the public in the event of a pipeline emergency. The following suggestions are offered as a guide:
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Notify the appropriate pipeline company. Report the type (leak, rupture, fire) and the location of the emergency. If it’s a Northern Natural Gas pipeline, call our toll-free 24-hour Operations Communication Center: 1-888-367-6671.
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Establish a safety zone around the emergency site and control access. This may include evacuating people within the safety zone.
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If gas is not burning, avoid doing anything that may ignite it. Be aware of wind direction and potential ignition sources.
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If gas is burning, control secondary fires, but do not attempt to put out pipeline fires. Do not attempt to operate pipeline valves.
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While emergency response agencies are doing their part, our pipeline employees will do what needs to be done to protect lives and property.
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They will first protect people from injury by removing all persons from the danger zone. If a fire doesn’t already exist, they will remove any sources of ignition.
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They will help people in distress.
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They will eliminate the natural gas source. If it is possible to do so from the location of the emergency, they will. In many cases, the natural gas must be shut off at a remote location. It’s important for you to know that our employees are responsible for operating the valves that isolate the affected facilities.
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Is your group or agency interested in a presentation or additional information? Call our emergency number at 1-888-367-6671 and ask to establish a public education liaison. Together we will determine the appropriate Northern Natural Gas field location nearest you and then provide a means to contact their local representative for more details. |
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