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Nicor Gas Offers Tips to Keep Customers Safe This Summer During National Safety Month

NAPERVILLE, Ill. –  June 26, 2018 – June is National Safety Month, which focuses on reducing the leading causes of injury and death at work, on the road and in our homes and communities. As families head outdoors this summer, Nicor Gas would like to offer some safety tips to keep everyone safe while at work and play:

 

Heat exhaustion

  • When the temperature rises outdoors, take frequent breaks in the shade and be sure to drink plenty of water, which helps your body maintain a normal temperature, according to the Mayo Clinic. Also wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing that allows the body to cool properly.
  • Protect again sunburn, which affects the body’s ability to cool itself. When outdoors, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and apply a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 15 every two hours (more if swimming or sweating).
  • Never leave anyone – children and pets especially – in a parked car. The temperature in a parked car can rise as much as 20 degrees Fahrenheit in just 10 minutes and become suffocating, even if the windows are cracked or the car is in the shade.

Outdoor Grilling

  • Keep your natural gas grill at least 10 feet away from a home or other structure.
  • Keep children and pets away from the grilling area at all times.
  • Check the gas tank hose for leaks before using a grill for the first time each year. A light soap and water solution applied to the hose will quickly reveal escaping propane by releasing bubbles.
  • If a leak is detected in a grill hose, immediately turn off the gas tank and grill. Have the grill serviced by a professional before using it again. If gas can be smelled while cooking, immediately move away from the grill and call 911. 
  • Never grill in an enclosed area with no ventilation, and never burn charcoal inside a home or garage.

Safe Digging

  • When starting an outdoor project involving digging, customers are required to contact JULIE at 811 and wait the required 48 business hour timeframe to have underground utility lines marked. Calls to the free locating service can be made 24 hours a day, seven days a week to request utility operators mark underground facilities, including: natural gas, water, cable, telephone and electric lines.
  • Make sure the marks remain visible during the project. If the locating marks are damaged or removed, customers are encouraged to call 811 to have locating marks refreshed. If a natural gas line is damaged accidentally or the distinct odor of gas is present, residents are required to call 911 and Nicor Gas’ 24-hour emergency phone line at 888.Nicor4U (888.642.6748) from a safe location. Do not operate any machinery or equipment that might cause a spark.

Indoor Safety Measures

  • Install a carbon monoxide (CO) detector near all bedrooms in the house; possible symptoms of CO poisoning include headache, dizziness, fatigue, nausea and vomiting. Anyone experiencing these symptoms in the home or business are encouraged to seek immediate medical attention.
  • Regularly clean smoke and CO detectors of dust and cobwebs to ensure proper function.
  • Have a fire escape plan for your family in case of a fire. Walk through your home and inspect all possible exits and escape routes.
  • Change batteries in flashlights and weather radios in case of severe weather.

For more information to help keep your family safe throughout the year, follow Nicor Gas on Twitter at @Nicor_Gas and look for our #SafetyMinuteMonday tips.

About Nicor Gas
Nicor Gas is one of seven natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company Gas (NYSE: SO). Nicor Gas serves more than 2.2 million customers in a service territory that encompasses most of the northern third of Illinois, excluding the city of Chicago. For more information, visit www.nicorgas.com.

About Southern Company Gas
Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America’s premier energy company.  Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.6 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in seven states and more than 1 million retail customers through its companies that market natural gas and related home services. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines, asset management for natural gas wholesale customers and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit Southern Company Gas at www.southerncompanygas.com.

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Media Contact:
Jennifer Golz
o: 630.388.3737  |  c: 331.222.8716 |  jgolz@southernco.com