Public Awareness

Pipelines are one of the safest, most efficient and most reliable ways to transport energy resources. This network of underground pipes and lines delivers natural gas to home, businesses and industries, therefore out-of-sight, out-of-mind. It’s important to provide natural gas education and safety awareness to help remind the public that natural gas is a clean, reliable and safe energy source.

Our number one priority is safety, therefore we work to maintain rigorous safety practices and standards to protect, operate and deliver the safest natural gas services possible. In accordance with U.S. Department of Transportation safety regulations, Jackson Energy Authority’s Public Awareness Program follows guidance and recommendations provided by the American Petroleum Institute (API) Recommended Practice (RP) 1162. This practice, an industry consensus standard, was created to enhance public awareness and provide education programs pertaining to gas distribution and pipeline safety.

Education is Key

Pipelines are located all throughout our community, state and country. By staying aware and informed, we all can help prevent incidents and minimize impacts regardless of where we live, work or play.

We all need to know:

• Familiarity with pipelines in the community, their purpose and reliability
• How to recognize where pipelines are located
• Hazards of damage to utilities or pipelines and prevention precautions
• How to recognize a leak or possible pipeline or natural gas emergency
• What to do in the event of a leak or possible pipeline or natural gas emergency
• Who to call in the event of a leak or possible pipeline or natural gas emergency

While it’s crucial for all of us to know what to do, there are those who work in the public sector who require more thorough information and training. We partner with TN811 and the pipeline companies in our state to provide natural gas and pipeline safety information and training to emergency responders, public officials and excavators.

In addition to the above

Emergency Officials and First Responders Also Need to Know:

• Emergency preparedness plans and communications procedures within the agency

Excavators and Contractors Also Need to Know:

• Types of damage from excavation
• TN811 (One-Call Center) requirements

Public Officials Also Need to Know:

• Damage prevention precautions for excavators/contractors
• Emergency preparedness plans and communications procedures for the community
• Concerns of issues of natural gas safety from local citizens or businesses

School Officials Also Need to Know:

• If pipelines are located near the school
• Emergency preparedness plans and communications procedures within the school

For more information about gas safety, download the Gas Safety brochure below.