(Columbus, OH) – As Severe Weather Awareness Week approaches on March 15-21 here in Ohio, Columbia Gas of Ohio reminds customers of tips they can use to keep their homes and families safe during potential severe weather.
As we approach spring, Ohioans have already experienced severe weather this winter, but this time of year can bring unpredictable, sometimes severe conditions. It’s important to plan ahead so you and your family are prepared in severe or potentially dangerous weather conditions.
How to prepare for severe weather:
- Have an emergency plan or consider updating your plan from previous years, then practice the plan with your family. This could include having a severe weather kit at home or in your vehicles in case of an emergency.
- Consider where you store any flammable materials like gasoline, paint and cleaning products. Keep these products away from any natural gas appliances with a pilot light.
- If your natural gas appliances, like the stove, furnace, clothes dryers, outdoor meter, etc., are impacted by severe weather, do not attempt to make repairs yourself. Hire a qualified professional to check, repair and/or replace all gas appliances and pipes. Visit our website to find a list of qualified natural gas contractors.
- If you smell the rotten egg-like odor of natural gas or believe you may be smelling a gas leak, stop what you are doing, leave the area immediately and call 911 and Columbia Gas at 800-344-4077 from a safe location.
Flooding safety:
- In the event of a flood, turn off the electrical power to all electrical appliances and leave it off until it is deemed safe.
- If your natural gas service is shut off at the meter, call Columbia Gas to turn it back on for you. During our visit, we will perform routine safety checks and get you back in service.
- If water levels were high enough to cover your gas meter, call us to check your meter and regulator before using your gas appliances. Floodwaters can shift your home or cause other stressors that may result in a natural gas leak.
Other safety tips:
- Keep your meter clear, and provide an open path to it. Don’t let debris build up on or around your natural gas meter. Gently clear your meter with a broom and never hang or place objects on or around your natural gas meter or piping.
Help is available.
Columbia Gas of Ohio reminds customers that help is available to those concerned about paying their energy bill. If you are experiencing hardship or feel you may have trouble paying your bill in the future, our Customer Care team can find resources that fit your budget or find a payment plan to help you manage past-due balances. Give us a call at 800-344-4077 or visit ColumbiaGasOhio.com/Assistance for more information.
###
About Columbia Gas of Ohio
Columbia Gas of Ohio delivers clean, dependable and efficient natural gas to approximately 1.5 million customers across the state. With headquarters in Columbus, it is the largest natural gas utility in Ohio. Columbia Gas of Ohio is one of six regulated utility companies of NiSource (NYSE: NI), one of the largest fully-regulated utility companies in the United States. NiSource employees are focused on our mission to deliver safe, reliable energy that drives value to our customers, and guided by our vision to be an innovative and trusted energy partner. More information about Columbia Gas of Ohio and NiSource, including its goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions from its operations by 2040, is available at www.ColumbiaGasOhio.com and www.NiSource.com.
