Being prepared can help to protect your family during a disaster
Tips to better weather disasters before, during and after they occur
HOW TO HANDLE GAS, ELECTRIC APPLIANCES IN THE EVENT OF FLOODING
Hurricanes may not be a major concern in the landlocked corner where Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama meet, but the tri-state area is by no means immune to weather catastrophes.
With Houston still waterlogged from Hurricane Harvey and Florida bracing for a similar deluge from Hurricane Irma, it’s time for a homeowner’s checklist on how to prepare if flooding is imminent.
Mekka Parrish, manager of PR and media relations for Chattanooga Gas Co., says knowing the guidelines and “having a plan” can help area residents in “making the necessary preparations for severe weather.”
Here are tips supplied by Parrish for Chattanooga Gas Co. and by EPB Safety Manager Tim Hoback when a weather emergency is threatening your home.
CHATTANOOGA GAS CO. RECOMMENDATIONS
METER SAFETY
Customers are encouraged to know how to locate their natural gas meter.
Following a weather emergency, ensure the natural gas meter is visible and the area surrounding the meter is free of trash and debris. Mechanical equipment used after the storm to clean up a location may damage the meter if it is hidden.
If a natural gas meter is damaged or gas line is exposed, immediately leave the area and call the Chattanooga Gas 24-hour emergency response number at 1-866-643-4170.
DAMAGE PREVENTION
Strong winds and saturated grounds could cause trees to become uprooted. Before removing downed trees, customers should dial Tennessee 811 at 8-1-1 or 1-800-351-1111 to have the location of underground utility lines marked, because downed trees could become tangled with the natural gas lines.
APPLIANCE SAFETY
Customers are advised to leave their natural gas service on during a hurricane or severe storm. Most gas appliances have safety valves that shut off the flow of gas automatically if the pilot light goes out.
If flooding occurs at a residence or business and the gas appliances are under water, customers are advised not to
operate their appliances until a safety inspection is conducted.
NATURAL GAS GENERATORS
› During a power outage, natural gas generators provide continuous fuel supply from an existing natural gas line. Customers should contact Chattanooga Gas to determine whether their service line meets load requirements for the generator’s safe and efficient operation.
› Keep natural gas generators outside in a vented space. Never run generators in a garage, carport, basement, crawlspace or other enclosed or partially enclosed area, even with ventilation.
DETECTING GAS LEAKS
› If customers smell the rotten egg odor that is often associated with natural gas, they should immediately leave the affected area and call the 24-hour emergency response line at 1-866643-4170 from a safe location.
› Never try to identify the source of a leak yourself.
› If the odor of gas is present, do not use a telephone or cellphone, turn light switches on or off, operate any appliance or do anything that might cause a spark, such as lighting a match.
EPB RECOMMENDATIONS
BEFORE FLOODING CONDITIONS EXIST
› Make sure the electrical circuit breakers or fuses are clearly marked for each area of your home or business.
› If high water is approaching and the floor is dry, turn off the electricity at the main circuit breaker or fuse box.
› Unplug appliances — but only if you don’t have to stand in water. If possible, move larger appliances such as washing machines to a higher floor or place them on concrete blocks.
› If you use a generator, only connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator. Do not connect a generator to a home’s electrical system. Consult a licensed electrician.
DURING FLOOD CONDITIONS
› Don’t go into any room or basement if water is covering appliance cords that are plugged in or if water has reached the wall outlets.
› Don’t enter a room if you hear popping or buzzing or if you see sparks.
› If you see downed power lines, call EPB or your local public power provider. Be careful around downed tree limbs. They can conduct electricity from wet or broken power lines.
› Remain a safe distance from all ground-level electrical boxes to avoid an electrical hazard.
› Before entering a flooded building or basement, make certain the electricity is off. If it hasn’t been turned off, or if you’re not sure, call EPB or your local public power provider. Don’t go in!
AFTER FLOOD WATERS RECEDE
› If flood waters reached high enough to touch any electrical outlets, contact an electrician to determine safety and make repairs. Do not turn the power back on at the main circuit breaker or fuse box until a certified electrician verifies that it is safe to do so. Remember, you own the electrical wiring in your home, so repairs are your responsibility.
› Do not plug in or turn on any electrical appliances or equpment that was located in flooded rooms. Have an electrician inspect these items before attempting to use them. In most cases, these items will have to be discarded because they aren’t designed to withstand any kind of submersion.
› If your furnace was flooded, have it inspected by a qualified HVAC technician.