The City of Leesburg Gas Department would like to extend the following phone numbers to our customers in order to provide them with the most accurate phone numbers for Gas related services:

• To educate our customers how to recognize the odor of natural gas and how to respond if they detect possible gas odors. Early recognition of a gas odor and proper response can save lives.
• To raise the awareness of the affected public and key stakeholders of the presence of buried natural gas pipelines in the communities we serve. A more informed public will also understand what steps that they can take to prevent third party damage and respond properly if they cause damage to our pipelines.
• To help excavators understand the steps that they can take to prevent third party damage and respond properly if they cause damage to our pipelines.
• To educate the public on the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and the appropriate treatment should CO poisoning be suspected.
• To educate the public about the protection of gas meters from damage by falling objects or other hazards.

The City of Leesburg owns, maintains and operates a coated steel and cathodically protected natural gas distribution system designed to serve the entire public in its service area in a safe, efficient manner.

The purpose of this system is to provide the public, both residential and commercial enterprises, with a safe, clean source of energy for a variety of uses.

Natural gas is most commonly used for cooking and heating. Natural gas also has many other uses, such as the generation of electricity.

The City of Leesburg distributes natural gas to approximately 11,800 customers through 240 miles of pipeline. The system is inspected by the Public Service Commission of Florida annually for compliance with the Federal Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) rules and regulations. The City of Leesburg Gas Department performs regular maintenance throughout the year to ensure a safe natural gas system.

Call Before You Dig

• By law, prior to any excavation, the excavator must notify the Sunshine One-Call Center at 811 or 1-800-432-4770. This is to prevent accidentally digging into a gas line, or any other underground utility.
• This call is free and the call center stays open 5 days per week, during normal business hours, excluding holidays. It is closed Saturday, Sunday, and holidays.
• Someone will ask you certain questions regarding the location of your planned excavation. A locate ticket will be issued to dig or excavate, 2 days after your request. Ample time is given to each utility owner in the area to respond and accurately locate his or her utility.
• The Sunshine One-Call law applies to everyone, including home owners who may be excavating for a flag pole installation, landscaping, or other excavation activities.
• Pipeline markers are placed at key locations where a gas pipeline crosses streets, driveways, etc.
• Our markers have phone numbers on them requesting excavators to call prior to digging in the area.

In the event that any person "hits", "punctures", etc. a gas line, STOP ALL EQUIPMENT AND EVACUATE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY. Contact the City of Leesburg Gas Department Emergency Number 352-728-9840 at once. Report even minor damage such as dents, scrapes or chips. Do not cover the line.

Natural gas is a colorless, odorless gas that is lighter than air. It will rise if there is a leak. A product called mercaptan is added to our gas to give it an odor similar to "rotten eggs". This is a safety measure to assist in detecting a gas leak.

Some signs of a gas leak include:

• A gaseous or hydrocarbon odor
• Blowing or hissing sound
• Dust blowing from a hole in the ground
• Continuous bubbling in wet or flooded areas
• A spot of dead or discolored vegetation in an otherwise green area

If you smell gas:

• If possible, eliminate any source of ignition
• Do not smoke. Do not use lighters or matches
• Do not turn off/on any switches or appliances
• Do not use a phone or cell phone
• Leave the area and go to a safe location
• Call 352-728-9840

Emergency Information:

• Name
• Address or location
• Telephone number
• Type of building or site
• Location of odor (inside by appliance or outside of building)

Personnel are on call 24 hours a day 7 days a week - 352-728-9840

For life threatening emergency call 911.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, deadly gas. It can kill you before you know it because you cannot see it or smell it.

Carbon monoxide can be formed when your appliances are not burning properly.

Symptoms of CO Poisoning: Flu like symptoms - headaches - drowsiness- nausea - blurred vision

If you think you have CO poisoning, go outside into fresh air. If needed, get medical attention.

Check your gas meter often to be sure there is no damage from falling limbs or any other debris. Always keep your meter clear from plants, shrubs and other obstacles.

• It makes the meter easier to read
• It allows easier access for maintenance or an emergency

A flex connector is the corrugated metal tubing used to bring gas from supply pipes to your appliance. Uncoated brass connectors are dangerous and can cause a serious gas leak. Replace them immediately with a stainless connector or plastic coated brass connector. A certified professional or a City of Leesburg gas service technician should inspect and change your flex connectors. Call the City of Leesburg gas department at 352-728-9840 if you have any questions.