• Accidental hit of a pipeline. Occasionally a plow, post-hole digger or other excavation equipment strikes a pipeline. While the impact may not seem significant, damage to the pipe and coating creates a concentration of stress and corrosion on that part of the pipeline. The pipeline company will inspect the damage and make any necessary repairs or maintenance.
• Washout of soils on the pipeline right-of-way, or along river and stream banks. Erosion can expose a pipeline to damage from machinery or the elements. The pipeline company will take action to protect the pipeline.
• Suspected pipeline leak. There are several signs that can indicate a leak is present. If you see any of these signs, please notify the pipeline operator and the Martin Gas Department will investigate the situation:
      Distressed or dead vegetation in a pipeline right-of-way.
      This can be caused by a small leak in a gas pipeline.
      Hissing sound or odor of gas in the pipeline right-of-way.

If a strong or persistent odor of gas is present in your home or business, or if you hear a hissing sound of escaping natural gas, follow this procedure:

• Get everyone out of the building immediately.
• Leave the door open.
• Use a neighbor's phone or cellular phone outside of the building to call our office.
• Do not operate any electrical switches, appliance controls, or pull any plugs from outlets.
• Do not use the telephone in the building.
• Close the cut-off near the gas meter and do not turn it on again. ( The Gas Department representative will turn it on.)

If possible, ventilate the building by opening doors and windows at top and bottom. Start where the odor is the strongest. Do not re-enter the building for this purpose.

OFF POSITION	ON POSITION