Approximately 190 Columbia Gas of Maryland customers in and around the Lonaconing and Westernport areas are experiencing a natural gas outage due to severe flooding in western Maryland.
As flood waters recede, Columbia Gas technicians are conducting assessments of natural gas distribution system to identify and address any potential flood-related issues. As that process continues, Columbia Gas also is finalizing plans to safely restore service for impacted customers.
Once the restoration process is underway, Columbia Gas crews will go door-to-door to each affected customer’s home or business to turn gas meters back on, perform safety checks, and relight natural gas appliances. Service restoration for all customers is expected to take several days.
All workers carry photo ID which clearly identifies them as a Columbia Gas employee. Customers are encouraged to ask for identification before allowing anyone into their home or business.
To learn more about how we restore service after an outage, please visit www.ColumbiaGasMD.com/relight.
Keep in mind that flooding can damage natural gas lines and appliances, causing a safety hazard. Here’s what to do if flooding affects your home or business:
- 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 us at 1-888-460-4332 to turn it back on for you.
- If water levels were high enough to cover the gas meter, call us 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.
- If your appliances have been impacted by flooding, 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.
To learn what to do with your natural gas service during flooding, please visit www.columbiagasmd.com/flooding.
More information on Columbia Gas’s commitment to safety for our customers, communities, and employees can be found at www.columbiagasmd.com/safety.
