According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the natural gas delivery system has the best safety record of any energy delivery system. Between 1986 and 2004, the amount of natural gas traveling through distribution pipelines increased by one-third, and more than 650,000 miles of pipeline were added across the country. Yet, the number of reportable incidents on distribution pipelines decreased by 28 percent. Atmos Energy and other natural gas utilities safely and reliably deliver natural gas to 69 million customers.

Natural gas pipelines have an outstanding safety record, especially when compared to other modes of transportation. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, in 2002 more than 42,000 transportation fatalities occurred on the highways, while aviation, boating and railroads accounted for another 2,000 fatalities. In contrast, only 12 fatalities were associated with natural gas pipelines. The safety record of natural gas utilities is outstanding — and it keeps getting better.

IF YOU SUSPECT A NATURAL GAS LEAK IN YOUR HOME OR OUTSIDE, FOLLOW THESE SAFETY STEPS:

• LEAVE the area IMMEDIATELY.
• CALL ATMOS ENERGY from a safe distance our toll-free emergency number at 866-EC-ATMOS (1-866-322-8667) or call 9-1-1.
• DO NOT turn any lights on or off, smoke or use a cell phone, or operate any vehicle or equipment that could cause sparks.
• DO NOT attempt to turn natural gas valves on or off.
• Atmos Energy will send a trained service technician immediately to investigate any emergency leak call.

Additional Resources

Natural Gas Safety And You (.pdf)
Compression Couplings in Texas
Frequently Asked Questions: Safety Information
www.call811.com