Important Flood Safety Tips

With flooding expected in parts of Minnesota, CenterPoint Energy reminds residents of its preparedness and offers customers some important natural gas safety tips.

“CenterPoint Energy is prepared to keep our customers and our infrastructure safe during flooding events,” said Brad Tutunjian, vice president of regional operations. “We have a robust flood plan that includes safety checks on infrastructure and equipment prior to, during and following flood activity.”

Below are tips customers can use when weathering flood conditions.

Before a flood:

  • Do not turn off natural gas at the meter. The gas meter should be left on to maintain proper pressure in the gas piping within the house and to prevent water from entering the lines should flooding occur.

  • If a customer wishes to discontinue gas service, the gas should be turned off at each appliance.

After a flood:

  • If your home was flooded and your natural gas meter was underwater, call CenterPoint Energy to schedule an inspection. The meter may need to be replaced.

  • Have flooded appliances inspected by a qualified technician, like HSP before operating the equipment. This includes outdoor gas appliances such as pool heaters, gas grills and gaslights.

  • If your home did not flood and your natural gas is turned off at the meter, call CenterPoint Energy to reconnect service.

    • Be alert for leaking gas as you return to your home or business. If you smell gas, leave the area immediately on foot and tell others to do the same.

    • Do not turn the lights on or off, smoke, strike a match, use a cell phone or operate anything that may cause a spark, including a flashlight or driving your car.

    • Do not attempt to turn natural gas valves on or off.

    • Once safely away from the area, call the 24 hours emergency gas leak hot line number 1-800-296-9815 and 911 to report the location and description of the leak.

Customers and mechanical contractors are not authorized to work on or operate any of CenterPoint Energy’s equipment, including but not limited to pipelines, meters, valves, regulators, and associated pipe fittings. For your own and others’ safety, do not attempt to work on or operate CenterPoint Energy’s equipment. Do not tamper with the meter or attempt to service or maintain the meter itself.