Columbia Gas offers severe weather safety tips

Columbia Gas of Ohio reminds customers of tips they can use to keep their homes and families safe during potential severe weather.

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, et cetera, 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.

—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 its visit Columbia will perform routine safety checks and get you back in service.

—If water levels were high enough to cover your gas meter, call Columbia 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.

—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, the customer care team can find resources that fit your budget or find a payment plan to help you manage past-due balances. Call 800-344-4077 or visit www.ColumbiaGasOhio.com/Assistance for more information.