COLUMBUS, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—As Severe Weather Awareness Week approaches, Columbia Gas of Ohio is urging customers to take precautions to prepare for potential severe weather this spring.
The company issued a series of safety tips, emphasizing the importance of having an emergency plan and practicing it with family members.
“Have an emergency plan and practice it with your family,” Columbia Gas said in a statement.
Customers are advised to store flammable liquids, such as gasoline, paint, and cleaning products, away from natural gas appliances with pilot lights. If severe weather impacts natural gas appliances, residents should not attempt to repair them themselves and should instead hire a qualified professional.
“If your natural gas appliances are impacted by severe weather, do not attempt to place them back in service yourself. Hire a qualified professional to check, repair and/or replace all gas appliances and pipes,” the company said.
Columbia Gas also stressed the importance of recognizing the signs of a gas leak. “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, then call 911 and Columbia Gas at 1-800-344-4077,” they said.
In the event of flooding, customers are advised to turn off electrical power to appliances and leave it off. If natural gas is shut off at the meter, residents should call Columbia Gas to have it turned back on.
“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 that could result in a natural gas leak,” the company said.
Other safety tips include keeping gas meters clear of debris and never hanging or placing objects on or around them.
Columbia Gas also reminded customers of bill payment assistance programs. Those who are struggling to pay their bills can call 1-800-344-4077 or visit columbiagasohio.com/assistance for more information.