SaskEnergy urges residents to put natural gas safety first during severe weather
As flooding, wildfires and other severe weather continue to affect parts of Saskatchewan, SaskEnergy is reminding residents to take extra precautions around natural gas infrastructure before, during and after emergency events.
The Crown corporation advises anyone excavating or using heavy equipment, such as building a berm, to request an emergency line locate by calling Sask 1st Call at 1-866-828-4888 before digging.
Residents are also encouraged to avoid piling soil, landscaping materials or debris around gas meters or risers, keep exterior building vents clear of dirt and leaves, and watch for ground shifting or erosion that could affect buried natural gas lines.
If flooding or sewer backup threatens natural gas appliances, SaskEnergy recommends turning off the electrical supply to the affected appliances and contacting SaskEnergy or a licensed gas contractor to safely shut off the gas supply.
During an evacuation, residents should follow instructions from local authorities and first responders. SaskEnergy advises people not to attempt to shut off their own natural gas service. Trained SaskEnergy personnel or first responders will determine whether service needs to be shut off and will do so safely if required.
Once authorities declare an area safe to return, SaskEnergy will inspect its natural gas infrastructure before restoring service. Customers whose gas service was shut off should contact SaskEnergy Customer Service at 1-800-567-8899.
The utility also reminds residents not to use any natural gas appliance that has been damaged by floodwater or fire until it has been inspected by a licensed gas contractor, as damaged equipment can pose fire and carbon monoxide hazards.
Residents should call SaskEnergy's 24-hour emergency line at 1-888-700-0427 if they suspect damage to natural gas infrastructure, see an exposed gas line after a washout, discover a gas meter that has been submerged or damaged by fire, or smell natural gas.
Additional severe weather safety information is available on the SaskEnergy website.