Columbia Gas Advises Customers in Flood Prone Areas
March 5, 2010
Steps to protect natural gas appliances and prevent safety hazard
Canonsburg, Pa. – As the record-breaking February snowfall in Pennsylvania and Western Maryland begins to thaw, Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania and Columbia Gas of Maryland offer customers in flood prone areas the following tips on how to protect their natural gas meter and appliances.
What to do in the Event of a Flood
• Turn off electrical power to each appliance and leave it off.
• Shut off the natural gas supply valve to the appliance, usually found on the appliance’s gas line.
• Any natural gas appliance that is removed must have the open gas line capped or plugged. This is to prevent the flow of floodwater into the gas piping system. Plugs or pipe caps are available at hardware and plumbing supply stores.
• If evacuating a premise due to flooding, shut off gas flow at the meter. Customers can turn off the gas at the main shut-off valve on the inlet pipe next to the gas meter. Using a wrench, turn the valve a quarter turn in either direction so that it is crosswise to the pipe (see image below.) If a customer is unsure of how to turn off the gas flow at the meter, they should call Columbia Gas at 1-888-460-4332 for assistance.
• Once the gas is turned off at the meter, do no turn it back on. Only a certified gas technician can turn the gas on safely. Call Columbia at 1-888-460-4332 to restore gas service.
What to do Following a Flood
• If water levels were high enough to cover your gas meter, call Columbia to check the meter and regulator before using your natural gas appliances.
• If flooding was severe, gas appliances should be inspected by a licensed plumber or contractor before use.
If at any time you notice a strong odor of natural gas, leave the building immediately and call Columbia at 1-888-460-4332 and do not reenter the building until it has been cleared by a Columbia Gas representative.
Contact: Mike Marcus
724-416-6333
724-416-3695 (cell)
mmarcus@nisource.com
About Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania and Columbia Gas of Maryland
Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, with local headquarters in Canonsburg, serves approximately 413,000 customers in 26 counties. Columbia Gas of Maryland serves approximately 33,000 customers in Garrett, Allegany and Washington counties. They are two of the 10 energy distribution companies of NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI). NiSource distribution companies serve 3.8 million natural gas and electric customers primarily in nine states. More information about Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania and Maryland, visit www.ColumbiaGasPa.com and www.ColumbiaGasMd.com.