New & Expanded Pipeline Systems:
What it Means for First Responders &
Communities

According to the United States Energy Information Administration, pipeline companies added more than 20,000 miles of new natural gas transmission lines in the United States between 1998 and 2008.

New drilling techniques provide access to previously impenetrable natural gas fields expanding domestic gas production and reducing dependency on foreign energy. As natural gas is harvested from new areas, pipeline infrastructure is required to transport the gas from wells to processing facilities, homes and businesses.
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Emergency Medical Care at the Scene
of a Natural Gas Incident

When responding to a potential natural gas pipeline incident, emergency responders should be aware of potential hazards and emergency medical care needs. When released in a confined space, natural gas can be an asphyxiate. If ignited by a spark, it can cause burns. Continued exposure to natural gas can cause headaches, nausea, drowsiness, central nervous system depression and respiratory arrest.

When arriving at the scene of a natural gas pipeline incident, park upwind at a safe distance from the leak. Move people to a safe place, identify anyone in need of medical care and notify the incident commander.
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Planning & Coordinating
a Community Drill,
Part 3: Using Feedback
to Improve Response
Capability

Part 1 and 2 of this series focused on planning and implementing a community drill, but perhaps the most important step is actually collecting, analyzing and implementing lessons learned during the drill. Read part 1 and 2 of this series by visiting The Responder archives here.

During the drill, facilitators should observe the response of participants. As soon as possible following the completion of the drill, encourage participants to document their observations and impressions.
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Pipeline Emergency
Self-Assessment for
Response Agencies

At the scene of a potential natural pipeline incident, prior training and access to equipment and resources enable responders to act quickly to protect life, property and the environment.
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