“A time of emergency is not the time for introductions,” expressed Jim Potter (pictured), director of safety and training for Delta Natural Gas Company, at Tuesday’s public awareness meeting.
Jim Potter, director of safety and training for Delta Natural Gas Company, administered the public awareness meeting — which was held at the Bell County Fire Department Page Training Center — and stated that the premier goal was to protect lives and property.
“We’ve been doing these (meetings) for 25 years, because we thought they were necessary — so that, when there is an emergency, we don’t get introduced out there in a fire, explosion or something dire that has happened,” stated Potter. “A time of emergency is not the time for introductions.”
Throughout the meeting, Potter discussed a variety of affairs, including the properties of natural gas, detailed facility information, the Pipeline Integrity Management Plan, annual downtown leak surveys, rural leakage examinations, public building inspections, proper valve usage, and recognizing and reporting emergencies.
Potter explained that if a person should smell, hear or see blowing gas to follow this procedure: Call the gas company, extinguish any open flames, evacuate the area (if in immediate danger), and keep others from entering the hazardous area until assistance arrives on scene.
According to Potter, in any gas emergency (large or small), one should always call the gas company first, then evacuate to a safe area and await emergency personnel.
“Do not attempt to make repairs, leave it to the professionals. And if you know how, turn the gas off at the meter,” he added.
Potter then informed attendees that 811 is the new number to call in order to get pipeline locations in the United States, which is necessary before any person decides to dig — as required by law.
“Federal law is to call before you dig. If you dig and damage a pipeline transporting natural gas, you are required to call 911 immediately,” he declared. Potter commented that Delta employees will locate pipelines free of charge upon request — and workers are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“We can normally have a service man dispatched to a reported problem within a few minutes, night or day... And we can aid in any type of emergency,” he maintained.
After his presentation, Potter distributed helpful literature in reference to natural gas and company operations — and thanked those attending for their time and dedication to the community.
“Delta wants to be a good and responsible part of the community... We always try to go beyond the requirements to provide safety, ” Potter concluded.
For more information, contact the Middlesboro district office at (606) 248-1845, or visit www.deltagas.com.
Adam Young is a Staff Writer for the Middlesboro Daily News. He can be contacted by e-mail at ayoung@heartlandpublications.com.
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