CANONSBURG — Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania reminds customers to prepare for the potential of severe weather during Severe Weather Awareness Week, which runs April 15 to 19.
“From snowstorms and extreme cold in the winter to ice and rain in the spring and thunderstorms that could bring the potential for lightning, wind and flooding in the summer and fall, severe weather could happen at any time in Pennsylvania,” said Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania President and Chief Operating Officer Mark Kempic. “Severe Weather Awareness Week is a great time for our customers to learn about how they can keep themselves and their families safe while enjoying the many benefits that natural gas offers.”
Tips to know for severe weather:
- Have an emergency plan and practice it with your family.
- Label gas valves, water valves and electricity main switches. Teach responsible family members how and when to turn them off.
- Store any flammable liquids, such as gasoline, paint and cleaning products away from any natural gas appliance with a pilot light.
- If your appliances have been impacted by severe weather, do not attempt to place natural gas appliances back in service yourself. A qualified professional should check, clean, repair and test all gas appliances and pipes.
- If you smell the “rotten egg” odor of natural gas or think there may be a gas leak, stop what you are doing, leave the area immediately, and then call 911 and the Columbia Gas emergency line at (888) 460-4332.
Flooding safety tips:
- In the event of a flood, turn off electrical power to each appliance and leave it off.
- If the natural gas is shut off at the meter, call Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania to turn it back on for you.
- If water levels were high enough to cover the gas meter, call Columbia Gas to check your meter and regulator before using your gas appliances. Floodwaters may have shifted your home or caused other stresses, possibly resulting in a natural gas leak.
For more severe weather and flooding safety tips, visit ColumbiaGasPA.com/Safety/Weather-Safety.
Other safety tips:
- Call 811 before you dig: Big or small, call 811 before you dig, your local utilities will mark their lines so you can dig safely. It’s free to homeowners. It’s easy. It’s the law. Visit PA1Call.org or ColumbiaGasPA.com/811 for more information about 811 and safe digging practices.
- Keep your meter clear: Don’t let debris build up on or around your natural gas meter. Take time to gently clear the meter with a broom, and never hang or place any objects on or around your natural gas meter or piping.
- Avoiding encroachments: Encroachments within pipeline easements can be a safety hazard. It is important that property owners understand the importance of keeping these areas clear. Nothing should be placed within the limits of the easement area. More information can be found at ColumbiaGasPA.com/Encroachments.
For more home safety tips, visit ColumbiaGasPA.com/Safety/Home-Safety.
To find out more about resources available to help manage energy bills and pay down past due balances, call (888) 460-4332 or visit ColumbiaGasPA.com/Assistance.
