To Mark Harlem Gas Explosion, Con Ed Describes Improvements in Westchester

Con Ed officials issued a statement today commemorating the victims of last year’s natural gas tragedy in Harlem and delineating the steps the company has taken to prevent a similar tragedy from happening anywhere in its service area.

Gas leak patrols in Westchester County have been increased significantly, they said. The company has worked with county fire officials to improve emergency response protocols.

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Con Ed has also created an online gas leak map so people can see if leaks have been reported in their neighborhood. Anyone who smells gas should report it immediately.

Here’s the text of Con Ed’s statement about the explosion, which destroyed two apartment buildings, killing eight people and injuring 70 others:

We remember today all of the people affected by last year’s East Harlem tragedy, and continue working with residents and businesses in the area. As the NTSB investigation continues, we have been implementing many new initiatives to enhance public safety and raise public awareness about natural gas delivery.

Con Edison has increased significantly the frequency of gas leak patrols throughout our service areas of Manhattan, the Bronx, Westchester and parts of Queens. We now survey our 4,300 miles of gas mains an average of once per month, as opposed to once per year as required by state and federal codes. We have launched an enhanced campaign called “Smell Gas, Act Fast” to stress the importance of people notifying 911 or their gas utility right away if they smell gas odors. We have also launched a public online map showing current street gas leaks that have been made safe, and are under repair or being monitored.

We have been working closely with the FDNY and Westchester fire officials to expand and improve emergency response to gas odor reports. In addition, we have undertaken a new effort with the City of New York to coordinate underground infrastructure projects that will help us further accelerate our gas main replacement program in tandem with the city’s water main replacement work.

PHOTO: Metropolitan Transportation Authority / Patrick Cashin