Wednesday, May 12, 2004

Natural gas safety campaign kicks off in Macon

Over 300 participants attended a Pipeline Safety Seminar in Macon recently to learn about the new Public Service Commission (Commission or PSC) campaign to promote natural gas safety. The statewide campaign features Skunk Sniffy who will deliver the safety messages through radio and print advertising, as well as public and community relations programs.

“This is an important safety program to spread the word on what actions to take if you smell gas,” said Danny McGriff, manager of the Commission’s Facilities Protection Unit. “The entire campaign has been designed in English and Spanish as we hope to reach the Hispanic community through our use of bilingual safety materials.”

Commission Chairman Doug Everett recently announced the statewide natural gas safety and awareness campaign. It is designed to educate the public about precautions and actions to take when natural gas odors are detected in the home, workplace, or in the environment.

Over the past several years, the number of natural-gas-related injuries in Georgia has risen, because many Georgians are unaware of the proper steps to take when they smell natural gas. The PSC’s statewide awareness campaign, featuring “Skunk Sniffy” and the safety message “Smell Gas? Act Fast!” will help educate consumers on how to protect themselves and their loved ones if a natural gas leak occurs. Consumers will be directed to the campaign’s Web site, www.safegas.org.

Local natural gas companies will be taking the lead by spreading the word in their communities with information provided by the PSC. Those who attended Tuesday?s meeting received a Natural Gas Safety Awareness Kit which contains all the campaign materials including posters in English and Spanish, sample press releases and other public relations materials. The PSC will make the kit available to all natural gas providers in Georgia.