PSE&G to Conduct a Gas Leak Response Exercise in Woodbury
Tuesday, June 27, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 27, 2017
Call 811 before you dig to prevent gas emergencies
(June 27, 2017 - Newark, N.J.) – According to a recent study, about 40 percent of natural gas line damages involve lines cut because of errors by contractors, construction workers or residents. Most of these incidents could be avoided with a simple call to 811 to request a mark out of underground pipes and cables.
To prepare for potential gas emergencies, Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G), New Jersey’s largest utility, will conduct a gas safety exercise with the Woodbury Fire and Police departments and the Gloucester County Emergency Medical Services today. During the exercise, PSE&G will simulate a gas leak and practice a coordinated response with other first responders.
“PSE&G performs simulated gas leak exercises to test and enhance communication protocols and logistics,” said Joe Forline, vice president - gas operations. “Simulating a gas leak emergency for our crews and Woodbury first responders enables us to prepare for worst case scenarios and learn from each other -- ensuring a coordinated response when it is not an exercise.”
“Our number one priority is keeping the public safe,” said Woodbury Mayor Jessica Floyd. “This exercise provides real-world training for first responders, allowing them to practice an effective and timely response with PSE&G in emergency situations. It’s also an excellent opportunity to educate people about the importance of calling 811 before any digging project.”
How to prevent construction damage:
- Contractors, excavators and customers should always call 811 to request a mark-out before digging to avoid hitting underground pipelines, conduits, wires and cables. This service is free, and critical to avoid injuries and disruptions to vital utility services. If there is excavation work occurring on your property, customers should always make sure that a contractor has called 811 before starting work. Every digging project, even a small project like planting a tree or building a deck with hand tools, requires a call to 811
What to do if you smell gas:
- Open windows and doors to ventilate the building.
- Leave your home as quickly as possible and move well away from the building. Take all others with you. If you smell gas outside, move well away from where you suspect the gas is leaking.
- Call PSE&G immediately at 1-800-880-PSEG (7734), or call 911.
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Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) is New Jersey’s oldest and largest regulated gas and electric delivery utility, serving nearly three-quarters of the state’s population. PSE&G is the winner of the ReliabilityOne Award for superior electric system reliability. PSE&G is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG) (NYSE:PEG), a diversified energy company.