Emergency Response Resources

In the unlikely event of an emergency near or involving a pipeline, it is critical you know how to respond and are prepared to work together with the pipeline representatives. PAPA’s Emergency Response Guidelines were created to provide a concise, yet complete, resource for reference prior to and during a pipeline emergency.

Use this series of Pipeline Emergency Response videos to supplement your knowledge about the pipelines in your community.  Through the videos you’ll learn to recognize issues concerning public safety, hazards and risk communication.  You’ll also learn about strategic considerations when responding to a pipeline release in your community.  The video is divided into segments that focus on Community Awareness, Communication and Preparedness; Pipeline Integrity; Recognizing and Identifying Pipeline Releases; and Incident Response Guidelines.

PAPA collaborated with Callan and Company to create online drills and scenarios for Emergency Responders. The website is designed to help emergency responders become familiar with the components of the emergency response guidelines and other training available before they are called to respond to a pipeline emergency.  The site helps you test and apply your knowledge using scenarios for various pipeline emergency situations. Scenarios are available for different types of  response agencies and possible emergencies and are updated regularly.

Emergency responders are typically first on the scene when utilities are damaged.  This web site is designed to help first responders recognize potential hazards involving natural gas and the necessary guidelines to assure their safety and that of the general public.  Training involves tracks for both Fire/Rescue and Law Enforcement.

PAPA’s Pipeline Awareness Newsletter, released annually, provides articles to educate public officials about pipeline safety and awareness.  Click here to read the articles online.  Click here to download a .pdf version.

This document provides information on the recommended evacuation distances for natural gas pipeline leaks and ruptures.

The Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG), published by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), includes response tips and product-specific reference information and is designed for emergency responders who may be the first to arrive at a scene involving a hazardous material.  In addition to the printed and .pdf versions, mobile versions are also available for Blackberry and iPhone users.

• Click here to download a PDF version in English, Spanish or French.
• Click here to download the Microsoft Excel data format.
• Click here to download the ERG for Window Mobile devices.
• Click here to purchase the ERG for iPhone, iPad and iPod devices.

Access transmission pipeline maps and emergency contact information and download maps to include in your mapping programs.  This tool is provided and maintained by the Department of Transportation.

Receive updates about pipeline safety by signing up for Pipelineawareness News.

The National Association of State Fire Marshal’s (NASFM) offers a comprehensive, integrated emergency response training program designed to teach emergency responders and pipeline industry personnel to safely respond, and effectively manage, pipeline incidents.  The training program, called Pipeline Emergencies, is intended to produce significant safety results in terms of industry, public safety and improved emergency response tactics.  Learn more about Pipeline Emergencies. Learn more about the National Association of State Fire Marshal’s Safe Energy and Transportation program.

WISER provides a wide range of information on hazardous substances, including substance identification support, physical characteristics, human health information and containment and suppression advice.