As the Mid-Atlantic prepares for Hurricane Florence, it is a good time for APGA members to review their public safety messages, emergency plans, and mutual aid agreements & contacts.
Reminding our customers of the signs of natural gas leaks is important during weather related events. When appropriate, it may be a best practice to include customer safety messages on the front of your gas utility website. For example, you can highlight:
1. How should they recognize a gas leak by the odor?
2. What should they do in the event that they smell gas?
3. If their gas meter turns off, what should they do?
4. In the event that there of flooding, should they attempt to move any gas appliances?
Please share on the APGA Community how your gas system prepares for the threat of a major storm or hurricane.
Additional Information & Resources
PHMSA: In the past (Hurricane Harvey & Irma in 2017) PHMSA issued Emergency Stays of Enforcement. They Stays were for operator qualification requirements and pre-employment and random drug testing requirements for pipeline personnel involved with activities related to hurricane response and recovery. The stays of enforcement stated that PHMSA will not pursue enforcement actions relating to these regulations. PHMSA encourages operators to document instances of their inability to comply with regulations. They stays were in effect for 45 days from their issuance dates.
Note: If PHMSA issues Emergency Stays of Enforcement, APGA will notify the O&S Committee, post on the APGA Community Open Forum, and notify through the Weekly Update.
Department of Homeland Security:
Click Here to view DHS information concerning Hurricane readiness.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration:
Click Here to find a list of Emergency Declarations, Waivers, Exemptions & Permits
Also read:
PHMSA Issues Stay of Enforcement for OQ & DA for Operators Impacted by Hurricane Florence