Severe Weather Safety
Tornadoes, thunderstorms and flooding are some of the severe weather conditions that can affect Kansans during storm season from March through August. While we can’t prevent serious weather conditions from occurring, being prepared can help you and your family weather the storm.
Here are some safety tips and precautions you can take with your natural gas service and natural gas appliances when severe weather occurs:
Before the storm
·
If you leave your home or business, do
not
shut off natural gas at the meter. Only emergency responders or Kansas Gas Service personnel should turn the valve on or off. Leaving your natural gas meter on maintains pressure in the gas piping within the house and helps prevent water from entering the pipes should flooding occur.
During the storm
·
Be assured that natural gas lines are buried underground and are not usually affected by strong winds, high water or other severe weather. Kansas Gas Service crews are trained and prepared to respond quickly to any emergency.
After the storm
·
As you return to your home or business to assess damage, be aware and alert of possible natural gas leaks
o
If you smell natural gas, usually described as a “rotten egg odor,” leave the area immediately. Use a phone in a safe distance away from the odor and call us at
888-482-4950
or
911
.
o
Once your gas meter has been shut off, do not try to turn it back on. Only a licensed service technician may perform this task.
·
If your gas meter was turned off or your service was interrupted during the storm, call Kansas Gas Service to reconnect service.
·
Call
811
to locate underground natural gas pipelines and other utility lines before digging on your property or conducting debris clean-up.