Chester, VA – Just in time for Severe Weather Awareness Week in Virginia, which runs March 9 through March 13, Columbia Gas of Virginia is reminding its customers of the natural gas-related steps they can take to prepare for potential severe weather this spring.
“Here in Virginia, we can see thunderstorms, flooding and even tornadoes during this time of year, so we encourage you to prepare now,” said Columbia Gas of Virginia President and Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Montague. “One of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family is to have an emergency plan, and that plan should include safety information that is unique to natural gas.”
Here’s what you need to know for severe weather:
- 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 sulfur-like “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 1-800-544-5606.
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 Virginia 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.
For more severe weather and flooding safety tips, visit www.columbiagasva.com/safety/weather-safety/severe-storm-safety.
Other safety tips:
- Call 811 before you dig: Whether your outdoor project is big or small, call 811 at least three business days 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 VA811.com or www.columbiagasva.com/811 or 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 www.columbiagasva.com/encroachments.
For more home safety tips, visit www.columbiagasva.com/exterior.
Bill payment assistance
We know there are times when it may be difficult for you to pay your bill. To find out more about the resources available to help you manage your energy bill and pay down past due balances, call us at 1-800-543-8911 or visit www.columbiagasva.com/assistance.
About Columbia Gas of Virginia
Columbia Gas of Virginia delivers clean, affordable and efficient natural gas to approximately 290,000 customers in 98 communities across the Commonwealth. With headquarters in Chesterfield County, it 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. More information about Columbia Gas of Virginia and NiSource, Inc.,including our record of leadership in sustainability, investments in the communities we serve, and how we live our vision to be an innovative and trusted energy partner, is available at www.ColumbiaGasVA.com and www.NiSource.com.
