Natural Gas & Propane Safety Tips
Natural gas is delivered safely and reliably to more than 750,000 homes and businesses across Florida every day. But although natural gas safety incidents are extremely rare, here are some important safety basics everyone should know about.
List of Emergency Numbers
Emergencies happen fast. Have these numbers on hand to contact the proper authorities as soon as possible.
IN AN EMERGENCY DIAL:
9-1-1
CALL SUNSHINE
Call Before You Dig
Dial 8-1-1 or 1-888-432-4770
PALATKA GAS FIRE DEPT.
329-0120
(Non-Emergency)
1. Know How To Detect A Leak
• The smell of a distinct rotten egg odor
• Hissing sounds near a natural gas appliance or pipeline
• Blowing dirt, bubbling creeks/ponds or dead vegetation in an otherwise green area
2. Know How To Respond To A Leak
If you smell a distinct rotten egg odor or otherwise suspect a natural gas emergency, first clear your home or business immediately. Then, once safely outside, call Palatka Gas Authority at 386.328.1591 (or dial 911) to inform Emergency Response of the situation.
Please remember! It is imperative to leave the premises immediately. Do not try and locate the leak, and do not use or touch anything until you area at a safe distance from the area—especially lighters, electronics or anything else that may create a spark. Also, do not return to the area until it is declared safe by the appropriate officials.
3. Call 811 Before You Dig
Many people aren’t aware that underground utility lines may be located in their yard, and the depth and placement of these utility lines may vary. That’s why it’s so important to call 811 to get your utility lines marked before you dig, even for small digging projects like planting trees. If not, you run the chance of hitting and damaging utility lines, which can result in bodily injury, neighborhood power outages, large fines, unnecessary repair costs, and other consequences.
Why risk it? Call 811 before you dig and a locator will come mark your lines for free within three business days. Not only is it the safe and smart thing to do, but it’s also the law!
4. Understand Severe Weather Basics
Remember the following tips to ensure the best-possible natural gas safety before, during, and after the storm.
• Move or tie down grills, patio furniture and any other loose items that can blow into your property or natural gas meter
• Do not shut off your gas supply at the meter, or turn your meter valve “on” or “off”. Even If you evacuate your home or business, be sure to leave your natural gas supply as is, which will most likely be in the “on” position
• In the unlikely event that your natural gas service is interrupted at any point, please do not attempt to turn your natural gas back on. Instead, inform Palatka Gas Authority and wait for professionals to restore your service
• If you need to remove a fallen tree, call 811 beforehand to avoid hitting underground utility lines
Plus, remember! If you smell a rotten egg odor or otherwise suspect a natural gas emergency, leave the property immediately and call Palatka Gas Authority (or 911) once you are at a safe distance.
5. Practice Proper Appliance Safety
While natural gas service is nearly 100% reliable, some natural gas appliances feature safety valves that automatically discontinue the flow of natural gas in the event of a power outage. Consult your user’s manual for a complete list of safety features and usage instructions, as well as care and maintenance guidelines.
For the best-possible safety, also be sure to:
• Have your natural gas appliances professionally installed and maintained by Palatka Gas Authority or a licensed contractor
• Never use appliances outside of their intended purpose. (Only use a range or oven to cook food, for example, not to heat a room)
• Refrain from bending appliance connectors
• Never use extension cords with natural gas dryers
FAQs
What is Natural Gas?
Natural gas is the cleanest-burning fossil fuel, and consists almost entirely of methane. Natural gas is most-frequently found in deep underground reservoirs throughout North America, which are formed by porous rock.
What Is Natural Gas Used For?
Natural gas is used extensively in residential, commercial and industrial applications. In fact, around 55% of American homes use natural gas for space heating, and about 22% of the natural gas delivered in the U.S. is used in the residential market for water heating, cooking, clothes drying and more. The remaining natural gas is used in the industrial and commercial sectors for everything from mining minerals to processing food. The use of natural gas is also rapidly increasing in electric power generation and cooling, and as an alternative transportation fuel.
What Are the Basic Benefits Of Natural Gas Energy?
Natural gas boasts a wide range of benefits. This includes “big picture” advantages, such as the fact that it’s a cleaner, more energy-efficient, domestic resource. But natural gas also provides benefits that directly impact the end-consumer, including superior comfort and performance, ongoing cost-savings and nearly 100% reliable “storm proof” service.
Does Palatka Gas Authority Offer Any Natural Gas Rebates To Residential Customers?
Yes. Palatka Gas Authority offers up to the following rebate amounts for the four major natural gas appliances. Eligible customers can receive:
• $675 with a natural gas tankless water heater*
• $550 with a natural gas tank-style water heater*
• $785 with a natural gas furnace
• $200 with a natural gas range
• $100 with a natural gas clothes dryer
There is a possible $200 rebate for service reactivation.
* Must be purchased from Palatka Gas Authority for rebates to apply.