Mo Safe Gas

Spring Projects - Safe Digging

With spring upon us, you may be planning some outdoor projects.  We want you to be safe so whether you are undertaking a big project like installing a fence or even if you are just planting a tree or shrub, remember to call before you dig.  It doesn't cost you a thing and what it can save you is priceless.  So remember to call MO One-Call at 1-800-DIG-RITE or now you can just dial the nationwide number 811 and you will be directed to your local one-call system.  The member utilities will come out and mark their utilities.  All you need to do is CALL-WAIT-DIG!    Remember that the depth of utility lines vary so don't make any assumptions when digging.  Digging without knowing what is below the ground is risky business.  You could disrupt service to an entire neighborhood or hurt yourself and others around you.  Also damaging utility lines could potentially result in fines and repair costs. So protect yourself and your family and call MO One-Call or 811 before you dig!

Snow, Ice, Damage Meters, Block Chimneys

Missouri winters are tough on gas meters and pipes. Keep your gas meter clean in the winter by gently removing snow with a broom. Brooms are the best because they won't damage the meter if you use it cautiously. The build-up of ice and snow on gas equipment can make the equipment susceptible to damage or cause operational problems.  Remember that if you smell gas, leave the area and call your gas company from another location.  Click here for a listing of Missouri Natural Gas Operators. 

Snow and ice can also block chimneys or air vents for gas appliances. Be sure to check and clear these frequently to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. 

Odorization

If natural gas is odorless, then what gives natural gas that rotten egg smell?  Well, your natural gas operator adds that smell to the natural gas before delivering it to your residence.  The odor is added by injecting a chemical called mercaptan into the natural gas.  Leaking natural gas is dangerous.  It can cause a fire or explosion.  Natural gas operators add this chemical so you are able detect the presence of natural gas in the event of a leak.  Click here to find out more about detecting gas leaks and what to do in the event of a leak.

Legislation requiring the odorization of natural gas was enacted due to a tragic school explosion in New London Texas on March 18, 1937.  Click here to read more about the New London Texas School explosion. 

Want a Quick Response?

Did you know that many long emergency response times can be attributed to the emergency response crews being unable to see house numbers?

In an emergency, would they be able to find your house easily? 

Here are some tips to make it easier for emergency response crews to spot your house numbers:

• Post your house numbers near your front entrance
• Make sure the numbers are at least 4 inches high
• Use contrasting colors for the house numbers and the background
• If your house is more than 100 feet from the road, display your house numbers near the driveway entrance and on the house itself
• Use reflective materials or illuminate the numbers so they can easily be seen at night.
• The same rules apply to businesses except the letter height should be increased to 6 inches.

Customer-Owned Buried Pipes

Gas companies own and maintain pipes that run to your gas meter. But it's up to you to maintain pipes from the meter to your gas-burning appliances. Don't know if you have buried piping? If you have a gas grill, heater in a detached garage, a gas-heated pool, or any gas-operated appliance away from your house, you probably have piping that you need to care for. That also includes a line that runs from the meter and underground before it reaches a basement.

If it sounds like you have buried piping, contact a qualified professional periodically to check the pipes for corrosion or leaks. It's also a good idea to document where those lines are, and keep that documentation in a safe place - like a safety deposit box. You never know when you might need it, or if someone who wants to purchase your home would like to know the locations.

Some companies recommend black iron pipe or corrugated stainless steel tubing for natural gas piping within your home.  If the pipes are buried, they should be coated and cathodically protected. For details on specific local requirements for pipes, contact your city or county government.

You should also check up on the fittings and connections of your pipes to ensure they are in good working order.

Natural Disasters: What to Do

Tornadoes, earthquakes, floods. These disasters can damage the structure of  your home - and possibly loosen pipes. If your home or business is damaged and you think you smell gas or hear it leaking from somewhere, evacuate immediately. Call 911, then the gas company from another location. Don't relight pilots. Wait until authorized personnel tell you it's safe to go back inside. It's a good idea to keep the number of your natural gas provider in a wallet or purse, or even in your vehicle, so you can find it easily during an emergency.

Best Ways to Store Flammable Items

Everyone has flammable liquids in the house. The key to staying safe is to use and store these items - particularly cleaning products - away from gas stoves or other items powered by open flame. If you need to use a bug bomb - especially during those pesky summer months - be certain to extinguish pilot lights before you begin. And never use these products in the same room as a gas water heater. Any spark could ignite explosive vapors.

Hot Water Heater Tips

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says to adjust your water heater settings to no more than 120 degrees. The best way to check the temperature is to place a meat thermometer under a hot-running faucet for about two minutes. Adjust the temperature accordingly, and double check it in a few days. If you don't know how to reset your hot water heater temperature, contact a professional plummer or heating specialist for help.

Got CO? What to Look For, What to Do

Carbon Monoxide is a toxic, flammable gas that is produced when a fuel is burned without proper air for complete combustion.  It may happen for a number of reasons:

• Insuffient air supply for complete combustion
• Improper venting of equipment
• Faulty appliances
• Lack of ventilation around appliances

Carbon Monoxide is colorless and odorless and is absorbed into the blood 200 times faster than oxygen.

How to Recognize Carbon Monoxide in your home:

• Black soot build up on or around air registers, flues, burners or access openings to appliances
• Excessive condensation on inside of windows
• Abnormal flame characteristics, such as a yellow gas flame instead of blue, flame rolling out of the front of an appliance or flame lifting off the burner
• Dead or dying houseplants and animals (houseplants and pets are highly susceptible to carbon monoxide in the air)
• Install carbon monoxide detectors that will sound an alarm when CO build up reaches unsafe levels.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning are:

• Burning eyes
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Unconsciousness

What to do if you suspect carbon monoxide in your home:

• Get fresh air into your home or business by opening doors and windows. 
• If anyone is experiencing symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, get outside to fresh air and call local emergency personnel.
• Call a qualified plumbing or heating professional to inspect your appliances.

Steps to take to avoid Carbon Monoxide in your home:

• Before each heating season, have your heating system checked by a qualified plumbing or heating professional.
• Make sure appliance vents and exhaust ducts, such as those on water heaters, dryers and ranges, are not blocked, are in good condition and are properly connected to exhaust the combustion gases out of doors.  Keep the area around the furnace and water heater clear.
• Check your chimney to make sure it is not blocked by dirt or bird nests.  You can do this by inserting a mirror in the clean-out opening to view the top.  Replace rusted vent pipes. 
• Never operate your car or other gas-powered engines in an enclosed space, such as a garage.

Your local fire department can provide you with, or direct you to a business or Web site where you can purchase a carbon monoxide detector. Similar to a fire alarm, these detectors will sound off if CO builds up in your home or office. If the detector sounds the alarm, open the doors and windows, call a professional to check your appliances and call 911 or the Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222 if anyone is experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning.