News Releases
National Grid Reminds Customers of Important Spring Safety Tips National Grid Reminds Customers of Important Spring Safety TipsKnow how to identify a gas leak, call before you dig, safety tips for home renovationsMarch 26, 2015, PROVIDENCE, RI - The arrival of spring brings a renewed commitment for home projects, and a reminder from National Grid that activities should be done safely. As warmer weather arrives, the company is also providing customers gas safety tips to help identify a natural gas leak. February's deep freeze pushed customer demand for natural gas in Rhode Island to an all-time daily high: 353,402 dekatherms on Feb. 15. This edged out the previous record, which was set Jan. 5, 2004. National Grid's delivery system performed extremely well under very demanding circumstances. But more investment needs to be made, and he company plans to invest more than $538 million in gas infrastructure in Rhode Island over the next five years to modernize the network, ensure reliability and safety, and to connect customers to the energy they need. While the leading cause of natural gas leaks is third party damages from excavating or digging without knowing the location of underground utility lines, the frigid temperatures, and now the current season of repeated thawing and freezing, can also have an impact on underground pipe systems. It's always important for customers to know to call their natural gas service provider immediately if they suspect a gas leak, particularly as we transition into spring after a long, hard winter. Use Your SensesSince natural gas leaks are often recognized by smell, sight or sound, National Grid encourages customers to "use their senses" to stay vigilant about potential gas leaks. SMELL - Natural gas is colorless and odorless. A harmless substance called mercaptan, which has a distinctive, pungent odor, similar to rotten eggs, is added so you'll recognize it quickly. SIGHT - Outdoors you may see a white cloud, mist, fog and bubbles in standing water or blowing dust. SOUND - You may hear an unusual noise such as roaring, hissing or whistling. If You Suspect a Natural Gas Leak, Call National Grid or 911National Grid's number one priority is the safety of the public. Our natural gas leak management program supports this priority and is consistent with current industry standards and similar to those of other gas distribution companies. Like any fuel, natural gas is safe when used properly. In the interest of customer and public safety, National Grid crews continually test, repair and improve the underground system that delivers natural gas, and we have increased patrolling of our system to monitor any potential gas leaks in light of recent harsh temperatures. But, the possibility does exist for a gas leak in or near your home. Any natural gas leak is a potentially hazardous situation. If you suspect a natural gas leak, National Grid recommends that you evacuate the premises for your own safety while taking the following immediate actions:

• Evacuate your home and move to a safe area.
• Do NOT smoke, light matches or do anything to create a flame.
• Do NOT touch any light switches or electrical equipment and do NOT pull any plugs from outlets. These items may produce a spark that might ignite the gas and cause an explosion.
• If you have a gas range or oven, make sure the controls are turned OFF. Extinguish any easily accessible open flames such as lit candles, but never try to put out a fire you suspect may be caused by escaping gas. Leave immediately.
• Do NOT assume someone else will report the condition.
• Call National Grid's gas emergency number in Rhode Island (1-800-640-1595) or 911 from a safe location.
• National Grid has a dedicated Gas Emergency phone number, and crews on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week who will respond immediately.
• Provide the exact location, including cross streets.
• Do not return to your home until National Grid or an emergency official tells you it is safe.

Call 811 before you dig

• Whether you're planting a tree or shrub, or installing a deck or pool, every job requires a call to 811 - it's the law.
• Knowing where underground utility lines are buried before you dig will help protect you from injury and prevent damages to utilities, service disruptions and potential fines and repair costs.

Renovate Safely

• Always obtain proper permits for renovation work, use licensed professionals and follow building codes.
• If demolition is required, your gas service will need to be turned off prior to beginning work. Customers in Rhode Island can call National Grid at 781-907-2919.
• If you have natural gas service, make sure that the vent line on your appliances (dryer, water heater, heating equipment) is properly connected to the outside and is not disturbed by your repair work.
• If you have natural gas service, protect the gas meter and service lines from falling debris. If you are not sure about how to protect the equipment, call National Grid for assistance; in some cases this may require temporary interruption of service until the work is complete.
• Never permit anyone to dig near your underground energy sources.
• Do not plant trees, bushes or shrubs near a natural gas line.
• Never dig anywhere near underground natural gas lines.

Melting snow can signal more than just spring. And when combined with rain showers, the risk of flooding and sewer backup increases. If you experience any flooding in your home or building

• Don't enter flooded areas and don't attempt to restart your gas appliances before they have been inspected.
• If your appliances have been in contact with water, please contact a licensed plumbing or heating contractor to make sure the appliances are safe to operate.

Sewer Work Safeguards

• If you have a sewer blockage, please have a professional inspection of your sewer using a camera to verify the nature of a blockage before attempting to clear it. Many sewer cleaning and plumbing contractors have this equipment.
• When a sewer blockage is cleared with mechanical clearing tools, there is a risk of cutting through a live electric line, a fiber cable or a water or natural gas pipe that may have accidentally passed through the sewer line during trenchless construction.
• If a gas line blockage of the sewer line is confirmed by your sewer contractor, please contact National Grid at 1-877-370-5047 to safely remove the line. While unusual, if a gas line has caused the blockage, National Grid will remove the line and make repairs at no charge to the customer.

For additional safety information, visit National Grid's web site: www.nationalgridus.com . About National GridNational Grid (LSE: NG; NYSE: NGG) is an electricity and natural gas delivery company that connects nearly 7 million customers to vital energy sources through its networks in New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. It is the largest distributor of natural gas in the Northeast. National Grid also operates the systems that deliver gas and electricity across Great Britain. Through its U.S. Connect21 strategy, National Grid is transforming its electricity and natural gas networks to support the 21st century digital economy with smarter, cleaner, and more resilient energy solutions. Connect21 is vital to our communities' long-term economic and environmental health and aligns with regulatory initiatives in New York (REV: Reforming the Energy Vision) and Massachusetts (Grid Modernization). For more information please visit our www.nationalgridus.com</a>">website, or our Connecting, watch us on YouTube