It’s important for first responders to remain up-to-date and prepared by reviewing natural gas emergency procedures regularly, and to maintain National Fuel’s emergency contact number in your dispatch information.
National Fuel remains committed to supporting emergency responders. We provide technical expertise, rapid response and ongoing training opportunities, working together to help protect the communities we serve.
How National Fuel responds to emergencies
When you report an emergency involving natural gas, we dispatch trained personnel immediately to assist with emergency response efforts. Our emergency response teams operate 24/7.
National Fuel field crews provide technical information to help emergency responders make informed decisions. We take immediate action to minimize the emergency impact, including isolating damaged sections, rerouting service or shutting down equipment.
Emergency responders and other unauthorized personnel should never attempt to operate pipeline valves. Improper operation can make dangerous situations worse and cause additional accidents.
Working within the Incident Command System
National Fuel personnel train regularly to work within the Unified Incident Command System (ICS). This standardized approach brings structure to emergency response and helps multiple agencies work together effectively. It establishes clear chains of command, defines roles and responsibilities and improves communication between agencies.
Our personnel receive ongoing training in emergency response activities. We practice various response levels and emergency scenarios through regular refresher courses.
The value of ICS becomes clear during complex incidents. When our personnel arrive at your scene, we check in with the incident commander and follow the established command structure. We provide technical expertise while respecting your authority as the lead emergency responders.
Natural gas emergency situations
Natural gas emergencies require specific response strategies. Understanding the four basic situations helps emergency responders take appropriate action quickly.
Gas escaping outside
When natural gas escapes outdoors, the primary concern is controlling ignition sources. Natural gas is lighter than air and disperses quickly in open spaces. However, it can migrate through soil, enter structures or collect in confined areas.
Key actions for first responders: Establish a perimeter and control access. Eliminate all ignition sources within the hazard zone. Look for signs of migrating gas in nearby structures. Monitor gas concentrations with properly calibrated equipment. Evacuate buildings if gas has migrated indoors.
Safety zones: For outdoor gas leaks, establish an initial evacuation radius of at least 100 feet in all directions. Adjust this distance based on leak size, gas concentration readings and wind direction.
Gas burning outside
Let outdoor gas fires burn. Do not attempt to extinguish them. Burning natural gas will not explode. The flame provides a safe way to consume escaping gas and prevents dangerous accumulation.
Key actions for first responders: Protect exposures like nearby structures and vehicles. Keep water streams away from the flame. Allow National Fuel personnel to secure the gas supply. Only extinguish the fire after the gas is shut off
Gas escaping inside
Indoor gas leaks present serious explosion hazards. Natural gas can quickly reach explosive concentrations in confined spaces.
Key actions for first responders: Do not operate electrical switches, doorbells or any potential ignition sources. Evacuate the building immediately. Do not use flashlights or other battery-powered devices inside. Approach from upwind when possible. Use only intrinsically safe equipment.
Gas burning inside
If gas burns inside a structure, shut off the gas at the meter and evacuate the building. Leave the gas valve in the off position.
Key actions: Shut the gas valve at the meter if safely accessible. Evacuate all occupants. Do not attempt to extinguish the fire until gas is shut off. Call CenterPoint Energy to secure the system.
Coordination and communication guidelines
Effective emergency response depends on clear communication between National Fuel and first responders.
When to call National Fuel
Contact us immediately for any suspected gas leak, damaged gas equipment, fires involving utility equipment, vehicle strikes on utility infrastructure, planned evacuations near our facilities or any situation where you need technical information about our systems.
What information to share
Help us respond effectively by providing precise location details, type of emergency, visible damage, gas concentration readings if available, number of people affected, weather conditions and access restrictions.
Essential do’s and don’ts for emergency responders
Always do these things:
- Protect life first, then property.
- Notify National Fuel immediately.
- Treat all gas leaks as potentially hazardous.
- Consider all downed lines energized.
- Control ignition sources at gas scenes.
- Evacuate structures as needed.
- Use only properly calibrated detection equipment.
- Use only intrinsically safe equipment at gas emergencies.
- Stay at least 35 feet from downed power lines.
Never do these things:
- Park over, in front of or downwind of gas leak locations.
- Park over manhole covers, valve covers or storm drains.
- Use open flames near gas.
- Operate any natural gas valves.
- Operate potential ignition sources at gas scenes.
- Extinguish gas fires until National Fuel secures the supply.
- Shut off gas service to industrial facilities without knowing the consequences.
- Attempt repairs to gas facilities.
- Touch downed power lines.
- Enter electrical substations.
- Approach damaged transformers.