Summer Safety Reminders

Whether you’re working on your landscaping or enjoying some family time at the park this summer, be aware of any safety hazards that may be present. Here are some helpful summer safety reminders:

• Smell Gas, Act Fast! To make natural gas detectable, a chemical called Mercaptan is added, which has an odor like rotten eggs. If you smell gas, act fast and evacuate the area immediately. Take everyone with you (including pets) and leave the exit door open. Do not turn on or off electronics while evacuating. Once you are at least the distance of a football field away from the smell, contact 911 or UGI immediately at 800-276-2722. Do not re-enter the building until you are told it is safe to do so by professionals after a thorough inspection. For more information on natural gas safety, visit https://www.ugi.com/natural-gas-safety/leak-detection/.

• Electric Safety. Be sure to “Look Up and Live” when performing work in the proximity of power lines. Contact with an overhead wire with your body or conductive objects such as ladders, poles, and antennae can cause serious injury or death. Always be aware of the location of overhead lines when you are trimming trees or working on the exterior of your home. In an effort to prevent shock and electrical fires, avoid plugging too many heavy electricity-consuming appliances into a single outlet which can overload the outlet. Never use extension cords for appliances like air conditioners or refrigerators. For more electric safety tips, visit https://www.ugi.com/electric-safety/.

• Storm Safety. As storm season approaches, be sure to create an emergency preparedness kit, containing flashlights, back-up batteries, bottled water, and a first aid kit. During a thunderstorm, be sure to unplug major appliances to avoid electrical surges. Also avoid running water, including showering, as lightning can travel through plumbing and water lines. If you see a downed power line, stay away and call UGI to report it or 911 if it’s an emergency. Never go near a downed wire or anything touching it. To report an outage, call UGI at 800-276-2722.

• Call 811 Before You Dig. If you’re planning any type of work that requires excavation, such as planting trees or installing fences, be sure to call 811 at least three business days before you dig to have underground utility lines marked to help protect you from injury and costly property damage. There is no charge to homeowners to have underground utilities marked; however, if you have a contractor working on your property, they must be the one to call. To verify that the contractor has called 811 before starting your project, ask to see their 11-digit serial number as proof. Learn more about safe digging at https://www.ugi.com/call-811-before-you-dig/.

• Keep Your Meter Clear. To ensure your meter functions properly and safely, always keep the area around your meter clear of obstructions. UGI personnel may need to perform meter readings, periodic safety checks, and routine maintenance. Do not build walls or paneling around your meter, and make sure shrubs and plants are trimmed regularly. To prevent damage, do not allow children to climb on or play near a meter. Also, be mindful of your meter while mowing and weed-whacking. If you damage your meter, be sure to call UGI immediately to report it. For more meter safety information, visit https://www.ugi.com/meter-safety/