DAYTON — With the arrival of spring and April being National Safe Digging month, Vectren is reminding Dayton region residents who are planning to dig in the yard, conduct construction or engage in any other earth-moving activity, to please call the Ohio Utilities Protection Service (OUPS) at 811 or 800-362-2764 at least two full working days in advance. By calling 811, residents can have underground utility lines in the work area located and identified at no cost.
“Spring projects such as landscaping, installing a fence or major home improvements often bring an increase in accidental and potentially dangerous encounters with underground facilities,” said Colleen Ryan, president of Vectren Energy Delivery of Ohio. “We urge everyone planning these excavation activities to call OUPS at least two full working days before beginning a project. It’s a simple call that can help avoid serious accidents and a significant financial burden associated with repairing the damaged lines.”
Locating underground facilities prior to digging is mandated under Ohio law. If a resident fails to contact OUPS, proceeds with an unmarked dig and strikes an underground facility, he or she will be responsible for the damages and costs to repair.
Gas emergency response
In the event a gas line has been struck or ruptured outside of a home or business, residents are reminded of the following:
• Leave the area of the gas leak immediately, as well as areas where the odor of gas is noticeable.
• Do not attempt to re-start or move powered equipment.
• Call Vectren at 1-800-227-1376 from somewhere other than the location of the gas leak. The party responsible for the damage to the gas line should also call 911 and report the incident to police and/or fire officials.
• Remain in a safe area until emergency personnel arrive and do not enter the home/business or neighboring premises.
Natural gas contains an odorant called mercaptan that smells like rotten eggs or sulfur. In the event a gas leak is suspected inside of a home or business, residents are reminded of the following:
• Leave the home or business of the gas leak immediately, as well as areas where the odor of gas is noticeable.
• Do not use the phone, cell phone, or text anyone while in the building or who may be in the building. If you notice the leak while talking on the phone, do not hang up the phone.
• Do not turn any lights, appliances or any electrical sources on or off.
• Do not light matches.
• Do not open or close windows.
• Do not start a vehicle if it’s parked in a garage that’s attached to the home/business of the suspected leak nor utilize an automatic garage door opener upon exiting.
—The activities listed above could trigger an ignition if gas has significantly accumulated.
• Call Vectren at 800-227-1376 from somewhere other than the location of the gas leak.
• Remain in a safe area until emergency personnel arrive and do not re-enter the premises.
Please note: There is no charge to the customer for calling Vectren to inspect a potential gas leak. Vectren will respond 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
For more information about natural gas safety, click on the Public Safety tab at www.vectren.com.
