CenterPoint Energy Inc.

06/28/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/28/2024 12:59

CenterPoint Energy provides important flood safety tips to Minnesota customers

CenterPoint Energy provides important flood safety tips to Minnesota customers

Friday-June-28-2024

​Minneapolis- June 28, 2024 - With current flooding in parts of southern Minnesota and with more rain expected over the coming days, CenterPoint Energy is offering customers important natural gas safety tips.

"CenterPoint Energy's thoughts are with those affected by the flooding in southern Minnesota," said Brad Steber, Vice President, Minnesota Gas at CenterPoint Energy. "We want to remind our customers of important natural gas safety tips they can use now or if they anticipate flooding at their homes and businesses."

Before a flood:

  • Do not turn off your natural gas at the meter. Your natural gas meter should be left on to maintain proper pressure in the piping within the house and to prevent water from entering the lines should flooding occur.
  • If a customer wishes to temporarily stop natural gas service, the natural gas can be turned off at each appliance. Later, to restore natural gas service to an appliance, you may follow the written instructions located on the appliance for re-lighting. If you are unable to locate the instructions or don't feel comfortable performing the re-light, contact a qualified plumber or natural gas appliance technician.

After a flood:

  • If your home was flooded, call a licensed plumber or a natural gas appliance technician to inspect your appliances prior to requesting a service reconnection. This includes outdoor natural gas appliances such as pool heaters, gas grills and gaslights.
  • If you smell natural gas - which has a distinctive, strong odor, often compared to rotten eggs or sulfur - leave the area immediately on foot, and tell others to leave, too. Do not turn the lights on or off, smoke, strike a match, use a phone or operate anything that might cause a spark, including a flashlight or a generator. Once safely away from the area, call 911 and CenterPoint Energy at 800-296-9815, and we will send a trained service technician immediately.
  • While conducting clean-up, call 811 to locate utility lines at no cost prior to digging on your property.

Be cautious around work crews and give them plenty of room to safely assess damage and make repairs.