Emergency Officials

Protecting the Public from Natural Gas Leaks

UES is ready to help you protect the public during a pipeline emergency. The following steps can help you ensure public safety until a UES representative is available for consultation on a specific incident.

• Secure the area around the leak. This could include evacuating people from homes, businesses, schools and other locations. You also might consider erecting a barricade to prevent access to the emergency site.
• Take steps to prevent ignition of a pipeline leak. This could include rerouting traffic and shutting off electricity and residential gas supply by qualified individuals. You also should prevent ignition sources from entering the emergency site.
• Contact the pipeline operator as quickly as possible. Pipeline markers should provide the company’s name, phone number and the product the pipeline contains.
• Do not attempt to operate any valves – this could escalate the emergency. The pipeline operator will dispatch personnel qualified to start and stop pumps, open or close valves or take other steps to minimize the potential hazard.

Emergency Preparedness Communications

UES shares emergency contact information with state and local agencies including fire departments, police and other first responders. We provide safety training to first responders and work closely with them to prevent and prepare for potential emergencies. Also, our Emergency Plans and Operations Procedures are on file with the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC).