American Gas - October 2012 - (Page 20)

SAFETY FIRST The AGA’s program is meant to complement AGA Mutual Aid: Now Even Friendlier In late 2011, AGA streamlined its Mutual Assistance Program to make it more user-friendly. Now, the database of participating companies and the Master Operations Assistance Agreement are located in one central spot on the web site — the Emergency Planning Resource Center — along with a Request for Assistance (RFA) and other resources. The goal is to make it easier for participating companies as well as the public to find information, says Nneka Assing, AGA’s director of engineering services. “Companies that need help can come to the site and find everything they need to line up support,” says Assing. “They can search the database to find companies in their area, and they also can retrieve RFA and MOAA documentation. The process of initiating a request and gathering information has been made much simpler.” In addition to its use by Mutual Assistance Program participants, the database is searchable by the industry at large and the publics. “In an emergency, anybody can easily find phone numbers and contact information for local utilities,” Assing says. The AGA’s program is meant to complement local, state and regional mutual assistance programs—such as the one offered by the SGA— when the scope of a disaster exceeds the limits of those programs. With the assistance of the AGA and SGA programs, NMGC quickly identified utilities in a range of states that might have crews and equipment available to help with its emergency. It then worked out the terms for engagement, depending on which mutual aid program the supporting company belonged to. The AGA’s Master Operations Assistant Agreement was used for AGA program participants. “This sped up the process immensely,” says Oostman. “Instead of starting from scratch, we had a template that led us through the key issues involved in this type of cooperative venture,” such as compensation, arrangements for accommodation, qualifications needed, and work rules. Once the agreements were signed, it was “all hands on deck,” says Oostman. “The first crews started arriving on Friday [Feb. 4]. We had a team that made their arrangements and got them squared away on their assignments.” Because these workers were coming from the What is it that makes A.Y. McDonald the #1 Name in Gas Distribution products? It’s A.Y. McDonald Pride - pride in our products, our service, and most of all, our people. It’s over 150 years of knowing that every member of our company family takes pride in their job – from the people assembling our meter bars, to the customer service representatives who answer the phone when you have a question, to the engineers who design the most innovative products in the industry. Our pride is what sets us apart and makes us the #1 Name in Gas Distribution products. Tami Eastlick 15 Years of Service A.Y. McDonald Mfg. Co. 800.292.2737 | FAX 800.832.9296 | sales@aymcdonald.com | www.aymcdonald.com G A S VA LV E S | W AT E R W O R K S | P L U M B I N G VA LV E S | P U M P S 20 AMERICAN GAS OCTOBER 2012 http://www.aymcdonald.com http://www.aymcdonald.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of American Gas - October 2012

American Gas - October 2012
Contents
President’s Message
Industry News
In the Know
Safety First
Tech Talk
Keep the Lights On
Buyer’s Guide 2012
Places to Be
Jobline
Advertisers’ Index
Noteworthies
Marketplace
Facts on Gas

American Gas - October 2012