Safety Overview

Public safety is at the foundation of all we do. The safety of the public around Xcel Energy’s natural gas system influences every decision we make. We take a proactive approach to public safety by implementing safety measures before, during and after construction.

The project has been designed to meet federal and state standards and safety requirements for installing, maintaining and operating natural gas infrastructure.

Staying Safe Around Construction Areas

For your safety and the safety of our crews, please take the following steps near work areas:

• Look for construction crews and equipment.
• Stay out of work areas.
• Follow all construction signage and direction from crews.
• Reduce speeds.
• Be aware. Traffic control changes regularly.
• Avoid using your cell phone.

Call Before You Dig

A common cause of natural gas incidents results from improper or unauthorized digging near underground utilities. Prior to digging, call 811 or visit gopherstateonecall.org to have buried utility lines located and marked.

Locating buried lines before digging prevents potentially dangerous natural gas conditions that result from digging into or nicking a buried gas line.

Natural Gas Construction Safety

During construction and installation of the natural gas line, we protect your safety by:

• Implementing a corrosion prevention system.
• Verifying pipe weld integrity by an independent third party.

Once the natural gas line has been installed and prior to putting it into service, the following steps are taken:

• Internal inspection of the natural gas line with state-of-the-art equipment.
• Performance of internal pressure tests to verify the line’s integrity.

During the lifetime of the natural gas line, the following occurs:

• Internal inspection of natural gas lines regularly with “in-line” inspection technology.
• Conduct annual hazard patrols and leak surveys.
• Continuous remote monitoring (24/7) of all natural gas line and facility operations by Xcel Energy’s staffed gas control center.

Learn to Recognize a Natural Gas Leak

If you ever suspect a natural gas leak, leave your home or business immediately. Once you are safely away, call 911, then Xcel Energy at 800-895-2999.

It is important to know how to recognize potentially dangerous natural gas leaks, so use your senses. Signs of a natural gas leak include:

• A “rotten egg” or sulfur-like odor, although it may smell differently to you.
• Hissing, whistling or roaring sounds outside near the natural gas line or inside near an appliance.
• Dirt spraying into the air or continuous bubbling in a pond or creek.
• Unexplained dead or dying vegetation.

For additional information on our commitment to safety, please visit: co.my.xcelenergy.com/s/outage-safety/public-safety.