Our #1 priority is safety first

We routinely perform pipeline safety tasks, including patrolling, testing, repairing, and replacing pipelines. We meet or exceed all federal and state requirement for safe pipeline operations and maintenance, including ongoing technical training and testing for employees. Our goal is to identify and resolve potential problems before a major problem occurs. Okaloosa Gas has implemented a rigorous integrity management program in highly populated areas. We use the latest safety inspection tools to determine pipe condition and help ensure that the pipelines are being maintained safely. In order to perform these important inspections, the area around our pipelines must be clear of shrubs, trees, fences and other structures.

What does gas smell like?

Natural gas has a very distinctive tart, sulfur odor added to it for safety. In its raw state, natural gas has no smell or color. That’s why we have added a “rotten egg” odor to make you aware if gas is leaking.

If you think you smell gas:

• Remain calm.
• Don’t light a match, candle or cigarette.
• Don’t turn electrical appliances or lights on or off.
• From a safe location, call Okaloosa Gas at 850-729-4700, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or call 911. We will send a trained technician to investigate.

Natural gas has the best safety and reliability record of all traditional energy sources. Generally, natural gas accidentally released in the open will vent harmlessly into the air. However, when a gas and air mixture within the flammability range collects in a confined space, it can ignite accidentally.

How to identify a gas leak

LOOK: You may notice blowing dirt, bubbling creeks or ponds, dry spots in moist areas or dead plants surrounded by green live plants. Damaged connections to your natural gas appliance(s).

LISTEN: If you hear an unusual hissing or whistling sound near gas lines or appliances may indicate a natural gas leak.

SMELL: In its raw state, natural gas is odorless. Okaloosa Gas add a harmless substance called mercaptan to create a rotten-egg like smell. You should take action if the odor is faint.

Don’t Rely on Just Your Nose

Although a distinctive odor is added to make natural gas easy to recognize, you may not be able to smell leaking gas if:

• You have a diminished sense of smell

• You’re experiencing odor fatigue (inability to distinguish an odor after prolonged exposure to it)

• You have a physical condition such as a common cold, sinus condition or allergies

• The odor is masked or hidden by other odors that are present

• Pipe and soil conditions have caused odor fade·        In new, steel pipe that has been recently manufactured or hasn’t been used for odorized natural gas before·        In natural gas piping systems using higher gas pressure, and when natural gas flow is limited or intermittent·        In the presence of rust, mill scale, moisture, air, cutting oil, pipe thread compound, liquids, condensates and other substances(see below)


For your safety, you may want to consider purchasing a combination gas and carbon monoxide detector.

Call 811 before you dig.
The call is free and it's the law!

Pipelines may be located anywhere, including under streets and sidewalks. Since you are an Okaloosa Gas customer, there are most likely pipelines underground on your property. That is why it is important to know where they are before digging for any reason. Call 811 at least two workdays before you begin. This can help avoid costly damage or injury. 811 will coordinate with Okaloosa Gas and other utilities to mark the location of buried utility-owned gas pipelines and other utility-owned free of charge. Once all lines are marked, carefully use only hand tools to dig within 24 inches of marked gas lines.

No damage is too small to report

Even a slight gouge, scrape, or dent in a pipeline or coating may cause a dangerous break or leak in the future. If you cause what seems to be ONLY minor damage to a pipeline OR ANY COMPONENT ATTACHED TO THE PIPELINE, you should notify us immediately by calling 850-729-4700. Markers indicate major pipelines near you most natural gas pipelines are buried underground.

Pipeline Markers

Markers purposely indicate only the general, not exact, location of pipelines.

Markers also do not indicate the depth or number of pipelines in the area. To identify operators of major gas pipelines in your area and view maps* with the general locations of these pipelines, visit the National Pipeline Mapping System website: www.npms.phmsa.dot.gov

Utility flag marker colors and their meaning:

• Red: Electric
• Yellow: Gas, Oil, Steam or Petroleum
• Orange: Communications Systems
• Blue: Potable Water
• Purple: Reclaimed Water Irrigation
• Green: Sewer and Drain Lines
• White: Proposed Excavation
• Pink: Temporary Surveying