Gas and Storm Safety

Here are some key tips to help you remember if a natural gas leak is suspected:

• LEAVE: Leave the area immediately. Do not attempt to locate or stop the gas leak.
• DO NOT TOUCH: Do not smoke, use a cell phone, flashlight, turn on or off any lights or appliances or operate any kind of vehicle or equipment that could create a spark.
• CALL: Please notify us immediately at (727) 462-6633. If a leak is suspected near the natural gas transmission pipeline, call the number shown on the pipeline marker. If the smell of gas is particularly strong or no number is available, call 9-1-1.

• Never use the kitchen range as a space heater. This can damage the range and produce harmful carbon monoxide gases.
• Keep your range and burners clean. Make sure the range top is clear of debris and clutter. Wash burners with water and mild detergent.
• The flame on your gas range should be crisp, quiet and blue. A yellowish flame indicates the gas is burning inefficiently, and an adjustment is required by a Clearwater Gas service representative.
• When cooking, lower the flame on the gas burner so that it doesn't extend beyond the bottom of the pot.
• Keep the area around your furnace and water heater clutter-free.
• Never store flammables near your water heater or furnace.
• Teach family members what to do if they should smell gas (smells like rotten eggs).
• Have your gas appliances installed, serviced and repaired by Clearwater Gas System professionals.
• Clearwater Gas System is regulated for safety by the Florida Public Service Commission and the Department of Transportation.

Underground utilities, including natural gas pipelines, exist everywhere. In general, pipeline companies and your local gas utility maintain all the gas lines up to your meter for your home or business. However, you are responsible for the gas lines from the meter to your home or business.

Just as your natural gas utility conducts a program of regular facility inspections and maintenance, it is a good idea for home and business owners to have their natural gas plumbing and appliances checked annually by qualified gas technicians. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the pipeline markers that may exist on your property. They may be found near a transmission pipeline’s right of way, which provides space for pipeline operators to inspect and perform maintenance on the pipeline.

If you have natural or propane gas appliances, Clearwater Gas System recommends that you secure them properly prior to evacuating your home. Here are a few safe and easy steps that we suggest you follow to ensure that you return to find your gas appliances in the best possible condition:

• WATER HEATERS – your water heater is probably one of the easiest appliances to access. Within six feet of the water heater, you’ll see the appliance service valve. Turn the valve to the “off” position, making sure that the handle is no longer in line with the piping, or refer to your owner's manual for detailed instructions. You will need to call Clearwater Gas System to relight your water heater upon return.
• RANGES & DRYERS – turn off the gas flow to your range or dryer only if you can reach the service valve easily. Once your gas has been shut off, do not try to turn it back on. Do not try to move heavy gas appliances away from walls or other appliances in order to turn off the gas flow.
• GAS GRILLS – if your natural gas grill has a convenient, quick-connect hose, just disconnect it and move it into a garage or shed. If you have a propane gas grill, shut the gas off at the tank and disconnect it from the grill. Move the grill inside and secure the propane tank in an outside location. Remember, it is not safe to store propane gas inside your home.
• POOL OR SPA HEATERS – you should also turn off the gas flow to your pool or spa heater. If your heater has a pilot light, you will need to call Clearwater Gas System to relight your heater upon return. Do not try to relight the pool/spa heater.
• If you are required to evacuate your home and need assistance relighting your gas appliances, we’ll be happy to help you. Call our Service Department at (727) 562-4900, option 4, for additional information and assistance after you have returned to your home.
• Special Note: All gas appliances are equipped with an appliance service valve, which controls the flow of gas. It is located close to the appliance itself. If the handle of the valve is in line with the gas piping, gas flows to the appliance. When the handle is turned counterclockwise until it is perpendicular to the piping in a “T” position, the flow of gas is stopped. If you are asked to evacuate your home, Clearwater Gas System recommends that you turn the appliance service valve to the “off” position only if you can easily reach the valve.
• Do not attempt to turn off your gas at the meter.  

It's the law.

Before excavation of any kind takes place, state law requires that you call (800) 432-4770 two full business days (but not more than five) before digging, so utility lines can be professionally marked.

How It Works

One easy phone call to 8-1-1 starts the process of getting your underground utility lines marked for free. When you call 8-1-1 from anywhere in the country, your call will be routed to your local One Call Center. Local One Call Center operators will ask you for the location of your digging job and route your call to affected utility companies. Your utility companies will then send a professional locator to your location to mark your lines within a few days. Once your underground lines have been marked, you will know the approximate location of your utility lines and can dig safely, because knowing what's below protects you and your family.

Always call 8-1-1 before starting any digging project. It's free, and it's the law. Visit Call811.com or call Sunshine State One Call at (800) 432-4770 to learn more.

As your community energy provider, Clearwater Gas System is committed to maintaining the highest safety standard possible. Our gas technicians and subcontractors are licensed and certified to meet national, state and county requirements. Our team of certified technicians is required to complete continuing education classes on a regular basis, as mandated by law.

Safety is our top priority with every install, repair, or service call. We sell and install only gas products and appliances regulated by the Florida Fuel Gas Code, which requires that the equipment and appliances be tested, evaluated, listed and labeled by an approved competent agency. Our gas appliances meet all government and safety regulations and standards, and the Florida Fuel Gas Code.

Clearwater Gas System undertakes a wide range of safety measures, including participation in excavation damage prevention initiatives, installing above-ground markers to indicate the location of buried gas lines, performing visual inspections and leak surveys to identify potential problems, and supporting research and development focused on pipeline integrity.

Clearwater Gas System is committed to taking every precaution necessary to protect our gas lines and ensure a safe environment for you and the general public. Keeping the delivery of natural gas safe for everyone remains our highest priority.