Emergency Information

Natural gas is a colorless, odorless gas; however, a chemical that smells like rotten eggs is added to the gas to help in detection.  If you smell gas, or just think you might be smelling gas, leave the area immediately and call your local gas provider at 706-639-1511 or the emergency 911 number from a neighboring home or business.  Never turn on or off switches or use a flashlight or a phone in the presence of the gas smell, because an electric spark could ignite the gas, causing an explosion. 

Natural gas is America’s most popular home heating fuel heating more households than all other energy forms combined.  In all, 52 % of all heated U.S. households have natural gas heat.

Natural gas is increasingly popular for use by homeowners, schools, businesses, factories and electric power-generation plants because it is efficient, clean, and reliable and a relative bargain compared to alternative energy sources.

In our community, the City of LaFayette provides natural gas to more than 2,600 customers through a network of underground distribution lines.  Main gas lines branch in household service lines.  The pipes are typically made of “caution yellow” plastic or tar-coated steel which helps prevent corrosion.  As an industry, steel pipes are being replaced with the more durable plastic piping.  The main lines are typically 2-inches in diameter and are located roughly two-feet below the surface, while service lines are typically ½-inch to ¾-inch in diameter and buried 12 to 18 inches below the surface.

That is why it’s important to “Call Before You Dig” or move earth in any way.  Whether you are installing an underground dog fence, running water to an outbuilding or post-hole digging for a new mail box post, underground piping and other utilities can be damaged.  When you call Georgia One Call at 1-800-282-7411, or 811, they will locate all buried utility lines on your property within the specified area where excavation will take place, so you can safely dig and prevent a potentially hazardous condition.

During 2004 the Federal Office of Pipeline Safety recorded 48 cases of third party excavation damage to distribution lines nationwide resulting in more than $10 million worth of property damage and four injuries.  Calling before you dig can prevent a costly or even deadly mistake.

LaFayette Natural gas operates our gas system with an emphasis on safety.  We are required to design, operate and maintain our underground natural gas pipeline system in accordance with prescribed federal safety standards, but our gas system maintenance does not extend beyond each customer’s gas meter.  This is the responsibility of the customer who owns that piping.  If the customer’s buried piping is not properly maintained it may be subject to corrosion (if the piping is metallic) and/or leakage.  To ensure the continued safe and reliable operation of these lines, the buried piping should be checked periodically.  You (or the building owner) are advised to contact a licensed plumber or heating contractor to assist you in locating and inspection of your buried gas piping.  If any unsafe condition is discovered, repairs should be made immediately. 

Do your part to familiarize yourself and your family with these natural gas safety tips and continue to enjoy the value, comfort and benefits of America’s cleanest, most efficient energy source!

The City of LaFayette Gas department participates in programs such as the water heater exchange program where new and existing city natural gas customers can exchange their electric water heater for a gas water heater free of charge, and receive a rebate on installation, where applicable.  This program and others are ongoing giving our citizens flexibility in heating or having a secondary source of heat.  Please call the Gas Department for detailed information and guidelines.

This information is part of a public service to City of LaFayette gas customers.

To learn more about natural gas service and it benefits

call our office at 706-639-1511.

207 S. Duke Street

LaFayette, Georgia 30728

Phone (706) 639-1511

Fax (706) 638-1872

Superintendent: Rod Robertson