Newark Fire Division to Hold Natural Gas Leak Drill with PSE&G

From City of Newark Public Safety:

Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose and Acting Fire Chief Rufus L. Jackson announce that a Natural Gas Leak exercise will be held in partnership with PSE&G at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at 191 Orange Street, Newark.

The exercise will involve a staged 911 call reporting a natural gas leak. Newark Fire Division and Office of Emergency Management will respond.

The exercise is designed to assess the response and communications involved in addressing a natural gas leak. It will also coordinate procedures between Newark Public Safety emergency responders and PSE&G, including: evacuating people, establishing safe distances from the leak and handling of hazardous materials.

“Our goal is to ensure that we act effectively and expeditiously in the event of a natural gas leak,” Director Ambrose said. “Since the timing of such incidents is unpredictable, this drill is designed to ensure that a cohesive plan is in place for both PSE&G and our first responders that saves lives and minimizes property damage.”

“PSE&G performs simulated gas leak exercises to test and enhance communication protocols and logistics with other first responders,” said John Latka, senior vice president of electric and gas operations for PSE&G. “Emergency exercises allow people to practice and learn in a safe setting, so we get it right during a real emergency.”

Members of the media are invited to attend the drill.

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