Gas Safety Tips

SAFETY FIRST
At Black Hills Energy, safety is our highest priority.

Dig with care. Should a Black Hills Energy pipeline be disturbed in any way, report it immediately. In case of a PIPELINE EMERGENCY related to a Black Hills Energy pipeline, call the Black Hills Energy emergency line toll-free at (800) 694-8989.

Call Before You Dig-It's The Law!
Statistics indicate that damage from excavation-related activities is a leading cause of pipeline accidents. If you are a homeowner, farmer, excavator or developer, we need your help in preventing pipeline emergencies.

1. Call your state's One Call Center at least two working days before excavation is scheduled to begin. The numbers are below.
   
2. One of our trained technicians will mark the location of the pipeline at no cost to you.
   
3. Call for re-marking if markers are disturbed, or more than seven days old.
   
4. Dig with care. Should an underground pipeline be disturbed in any way, report it immediately. Even a slight nick
   can cause corrosion leading to a dangerous buried leak.

National Toll-Free Hotline: 811

• Colorado: (800) 922-1987
  
• Iowa: (800) 292-8989
  
• Kansas: (800) 344-7233
  
• Nebraska: (800) 331-5666

Signs Of A Natural Gas Release

• Unexplained areas of dead vegetation where the surrounding area is green.
  
• A meter dial that continues to move after all natural gas appliances and equipment have been shut off.
  
• Unexplained sudden increase in gas consumption.
  
• Distinct natural gas odor similar to the smell of rotten eggs.
  
• Blowing, hissing sound, or bubbling in a wet or flooded area.

If you become aware of or suspect a gas leak, please call the Black Hills Energy emergency line immediately, 24-hours a day, seven days a week at (800) 694-8989.

What To Do If You Smell Natural Gas
It's important to be alert for the rotten-egg odor of natural gas. If you think you smell gas, don't look for the source of the leak. Get out immediately!

• Evacuate everyone out of the building immediately-leave the door open as you exit.
  
• Call Black Hills Energy or 911 from outside, using a cell phone or your neighbor's phone.
  
• Don't touch switches for lights or other electric appliances, and don't use a phone inside the building.
  
• Any spark can ignite an explosion.
  
• Remain outside the building until emergency personnel arrive.

How Do I Know If I Own Buried Piping?
In the state of Kansas, buried customer-owned natural gas piping may require special maintenance and inspection programs. Customer-owned buried piping may include:

• Buried piping past the outlet of a meter supplying secondary buildings, such as a detached garage and workshops
  
• Buried piping past the outlet of a meter supplying additional equipment, such as pool heaters, gas grills and yard lamps

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