What is the primary action to take if you dig up a gas line?

In the event of excavating a gas line, the priority is to ensure safety and mitigate any potential hazards. Notifying the department of safety is critical because they can take immediate action to assess the situation and coordinate necessary emergency responses.

Alerting the proper authorities ensures that professionals who are trained to handle gas leaks or ruptured lines are involved. This is essential, as natural gas is highly flammable and can pose significant risks to health and safety if not handled correctly.

While options like leaving the line open for inspection or covering it might seem reasonable, they do not address the urgency and the danger posed by a gas line exposure. Covering the line, for instance, could mask a hazardous situation without proper oversight, while leaving it open could result in a dangerous situation. Coordination with safety departments ensures that the situation is dealt with in a controlled and safe manner. Calling emergency services like police or firefighters may also be important depending on the severity of the leak, but the initial step of notifying the safety department is crucial for a systematic response.