Natural Gas Safety
Call Gopher One State Before you Dig 811 or 651-454-0002.
Prevent Pipeline Damage
Because natural gas pipelines run underground, line markers are used to indicate their approximate location. However, these markers do not indicate how deep the pipeline is buried. Never assume Centennial Utilities’ distribution pipelines lie in a straight line. The route can take twists and turns between markers. Excavation work, digging or grading are the most frequent causes of pipeline damage. Whether you are planning a large project, erecting a fence or simply land- scaping your property, you should protect your safety and the safety of those around you by contacting Gopher State One Call at 811 before digging. Gopher State One Call provides a free service that enables you to proceed safely with your digging, trenching, excavating, drilling or other projects. When Gopher State One Call is called, Centennial Utilities personnel will visit your worksite to mark pipeline locations. Failure to contact Gopher State One Call in advance could result in unsafe conditions during and after your work. If you accidentally hit or damage our pipeline, no matter how minor the contact, please call Centennial Utilities immediately at 763-784-6751. A gouge, scrape, dent or crease in the pipe or its coating may cause a safety problem. It is imperative that we inspect and repair any damage to the pipeline, no matter how minor it may seem.
Store Flammables Away from Appliances
Store Flammable Materials Away from Appliances Gasoline, paint, paint thinner, and cleaning solvents give off vapors which are flammable and can ignite if exposed to ignitors such as pilots on natural gas appliances. Keep flammables away from appliances and use them only in open well vented areas.
Choose CO Detectors That Meet UL Standards According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, it is estimated that acute CO poisoning contributes annually to more than 2,000 deaths in the United States. A state law that went into effect last August requires all existing single-family homes to be equipped with approved carbon monoxide alarms meeting Underwriters Laboratories (UL) specifications. The same law will apply to all multi-family or apartment dwelling units beginning August 1, 2009. Look for the following features when choosing appropriate CO alarms for your home: Easy to use, install & replace Protection from chronic, low-level CO exposure Protection from acute, lethal CO exposure Accurate measurement of CO Self-calibrating and self-zeroing Memory capability for past events Minimal interference from other pollutants & chemicals Digital readout of CO concentrations Portability: small size and light weight, Easy-to-understand operating manual Clear instructions and warning tags on the unit
Prevent Fires by Eliminating Lint Build-up in Dryer
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that in 1998, clothes dryers were associated with 15,600 fires, which resulted in 20 deaths and 370 injuries. Fires can occur when lint builds up in the dryer or in the exhaust duct. Lint can block the flow of air, cause excessive heat build-up, and result in a fire in some dryers.
To help prevent fires:
* Clean the lint screen/filter before or after drying each load of clothes. If clothing is still damp at the end of a typical drying cycle, this may be a sign that the lint screen or the exhaust duct is blocked.
* Clean the dryer vent and exhaust duct periodically. Check the outside dryer vent while the dryer is operating to make sure exhaust air is escaping. If it is not, the vent or the exhaust duct may be blocked.
* Clean behind the dryer, where lint can build up.
* Replace plastic or foil, accordion-type ducting material with rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct. Most manufacturers specify the use of a rigid or corrugated semi-rigid metal duct, which provides maximum airflow.
* Take special care when drying clothes that have been soiled with volatile chemicals such as gasoline, cooking oils, cleaning agents, or finishing oils and stains. If possible, wash them more than once and, preferably, hang the clothes to dry. If using a dryer, use the lowest heat setting and a drying cycle that has a cool-down period at the end of the cycle.