Mo Safe Gas

Spring Home Improvement Projects

Spring weather is here and with that comes outdoor spring projects.  Before starting any outdoor project that involves digging, remember to call MO One-Call at 1-800-DIG-RITE.  No matter if the project is big like installing a sprinkler system or small like planting a tree or shrub, it is important that you call before you dig.  It's free and it's the law.  So remember to call MO One-Call at 1-800-DIG-RITE or now it's as simple as dialing 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 MAKE THE CALL-WAIT THE DESIGNATED TIME-DIG WITH CAUTION!    Remember that the depth of utility lines vary so exercise care when digging.  Hand dig in the areas where utilities are located.  Digging without knowing what is below the ground could disrupt service to an entire neighborhood or hurt yourself and others around you.  Damaging utility lines could potentially result in fines and repair costs. In the event that you do cause damage to a utility line while digging, it is imperitive that you report the damage to MO One-Call and the utility company even if the damage hasn't caused the facility to fail.  Damages to facilities can cause a weakening of the facility and the possibility of future facility failure which dramatically increases the endangerment of the surrounding population.  So protect yourself and your family and call MO One-Call or 811 before you dig! 

Naturally Green Homes

The American Gas Association (AGA) has developed a new program, the Naturally Green Natural Gas Home Program.  This program was created for home builders and remodelers looking to take an active role in America's Green initiative.  Click here to learn more. 

MISSOURI ONE CALL EXCAVATOR SAFETY TRAINING

In addition to their regular classroom sessions, Missouri One Call now offers free on-line excavation safety training.  This course was developed in collaboration with www.diggingsafely.com.  The excavation safety course can be accessed from the Missouri One Call website at www.mo1call.com.  This course is customized for Missouri and incorporates Missouri specific regulations and procedures as well as basic excavation safety training.    All excavators, utilities, and homeowners are encouraged to visit the Missouri One Call site for information before beginning any project that requires underground construction.  And always remember to call 1-800-DIG-RITE or 811 before you dig!  

Fall Furnace Safety

With the heating season fast approaching, it's important to have your heating system inspected and serviced by a qualified plumbing or heating professional.  For safety reasons, never make your own repairs on heating equipment or other natural gas appliances.  The following items should be performed prior to kicking on the furnace or gas fireplace:

• Check to make sure that the fuel lines, safety controls and burner are all in good working order.
• Clean or replace furnace filters.
• Make sure vents and exhaust ducts are not blocked, are in good condition and are properly connected to exhaust the combustion gases out.  Check and clear the area around the furnace.   Keep it free from obstructions.
• Check your chimney and clear it of any obstructions.
• Check the thermostat to make sure it is working properly.

Natural Gas: A Green Choice

In addition to natural gas being a safe and reliable energy source, there are numerous environmental advantages to using natural gas over other energy sources.  Natural gas emits fewer harmful pollutants into the environment compared to the emissions of other fossil fuels.  Natural gas emissions do not significantly contribute to environmental concerns such as smog, poor air quality, or acid rain.  Click here to learn more about the green benefits of natural gas:  http://www.naturalgas.org/environment/naturalgas.asp   Natural gas utilities and associations recognize these benefits and are joining forces to publicize the environmental benefits of natural gas.  According to American Gas magazine, the Council for Responsible Energy (CRE) has identified its mission as the development of messages, graphic elements and collateral materials for a joint industry-wide advertising and marketing effort to promote the ecological advantages of natural gas as a preferred energy source. Learn more about the CRE's green messaging campaign at http://www.southerngas.org/MARKETING/Marketing-TheSGAGREENTEAM.html. 

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.