Microsoft Word - 10-31-14 - Natural Gas Odor.doc

PRESS RELEASE


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Amy Bass
Director, Corporate Communications
417-625-5114 abass@empiredistrict.com
THE EMPIRE DISTRICT GAS COMPANY REMINDS CUSTOMERS TO BE ALERT FOR NATURAL GAS ODOR
JOPLIN, MO - October 31, 2014 - With the heating season beginning, The Empire District Gas Company once again reminds customers to be alert for the smell of natural gas, a warning sign there may be a safety hazard.
Natural gas has no scent of its own. The odor is added for safety reasons to aid in the detection of a natural gas leak. The rotten egg smell allows the detection of even the tiniest leak. If you smell gas, do not attempt to locate the source. Instead:

From a safe distance, call Empire's emergency gas leak number at 800-406-9220.

Do not turn any electrical switches, appliances, or lights on or off, or unplug electrical appliances when there is a strong gas odor.

Do not use telephones in the area of a strong gas odor.

Do not smoke or use lighters, matches, or other open flames.

Additional safety reminders include:

Follow manufacturer's instructions for safe operation of natural gas appliances.

Keep an approved and charged fire extinguisher near natural gas appliances or equipment.

Arrange for natural gas appliances and equipment to be installed and/or repaired by a trained professional.

Teach children not to turn on or attempt to light a natural gas appliance.

Based in Joplin, Missouri, The Empire District Electric Company (NYSE:EDE) is an investor-owned utility providing electric, natural gas (through its wholly owned subsidiary The Empire District Gas Company), and water service, with approximately 217,000 customers in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. A subsidiary of the Company also provides fiber optic services. For more information regarding Empire, visit www.empiredistrict.com.
###

T H E E M P I R E D I S T R I C T E L E C T R I C C O M P A N Y • 6 0 2 J O P L I N A V E N U E • J O P L I N , M I S S O U R I 6 4 8 0 1 • 4 1 7 - 6 2 5 - 5 1 0 0 • F A X : 4 1 7 - 6 2 5 - 5 1 6 9 • w w w . e m p i r e d i s t r i c t . c o m

distributed by