Xcel Energy holds natural gas leak training with first responders

Wednesday, October 28, 2015
Noelle Anderson, WEAU

ALTOONA, Wis. (WEAU) -- On Wednesday morning crews from Xcel Energy were working with local responders on how to handle a natural gas emergency.

Tom Anderson, gas emergency response manager says crews worked with Oak Leaf Surgical Hospital in Altoona to demonstrate what should be done in case of a natural gas leak.

"What we did was we simulated a gas emergency, which was a damaged gas main with hazardous levels of gas migrating and venting into buildings. These are done on a regular basis. We coordinate with fire departments and police and city officials for these. It's to ensure that we have good coordination during the emergency. They're done on a regular basis throughout our entire gas system," says Anderson.

Responders start by assessing the situation, then working with the business, hospital, or even residential area, to assist in evacuating the area. That's when crews work local responders to make sure the space is restored safely.

"This stuff could happen anywhere where gas lines are, overhanging electrical wires, all the exposures that people don't normally think about and having a ruptured gas line as we learned today can definitely impact operations of anything," says Altoona Police and Fire Chief, Jesse James.

"It's a huge learning experience for me to look at the big picture and see the impact it's actually making. My eyes have been opened up today," says James.

"The reason we do these is so we can have an ongoing relationship with our city officials and fire departments, as well as important training for our crews to ensure that we are able to respond appropriately," says Anderson.

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