CenterPoint Shares Severe Weather Electric and Gas Safety Tips

CenterPoint Energy has shared some severe weather safety tips for their electric and natural gas customers.

Extreme Weather Swept Through the Community

Last night across much of the Tristate we experience some intense storms creating dangerous and severe weather situations, and dozens of tornado warnings, and now in the coming days, we are expecting "historic flooding" across much of Southern Indiana and Western Kentucky.

More Intense Weather - Including Possible Flooding Is On The Way

In anticiapation of the next round of severe weather, we reached out to Noah Stubbs at CenterPoint Energy to find out how residents can stay safe both in cases of damage caused by severe weather and flooding.

CenterPoint Wants You To Be Prepared

CenterPoint encourages customers to be prepared for severe weather situations with these tips for both electric and natural gas safety.

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Downed Power Line Safety

High winds can topple tress and rip down power lines. Stubbs says you should always treat a downed powerline as though it is live, staying at least 35 feet away from. Additionally, downed power lines should be reported to CenterPoint by calling 800-227-1376. Stubbs adds that if the powerlines appear to be creating a hazard or immediate danger, call 911.

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Keep Work Crews Safe

When power lines go down, power crews get to work. Stubbs advises that you be cautious around work crews and give them plenty of room to safely assess damage and make repairs.

Practice Generator Safety

If you have a generator at home for when the power goes out, you should never connect a portable electric generator directly to a building's electrical system during a power outage. This is incredibly dangerous as electricity can back-feed into the power lines, potentially endangering CenterPoint workers. Additionally, portable generators should only be used in a well-ventilated area. Never run a portable generator inside your home or garage to avoid carbon monoxide fumes, which can be deadly.

Flood-Related Electric Safety

If it appears likely that water is going to reach electrical outlets, you should turn off the power at the breaker box, but only if it can be done safely and without having to stand in water. Electrical appliances, including HVAC systems, that have been submerged in water should be allowed to dry for at least one week and be inspected by a qualified technician before being used.

Flood-Related Natural Gas Safety

If your home has natural gas, Stubbs says it should not be turned off at the meter. Instead, if service needs to be discontinued, gas to your home should be turned off at each appliance. If your natural gas meter becomes submerged underwater, customers should contact CenterPoint to schedule an inspection. In the event that you detect the smell of natural gas, you should immediately leave the area and call both 911, and CenterPoint (800-227-1376) when you have reached a safe location.

As we await the next round of storms, be sure you have your emergency preparedness kit packed with our tips below.

Essential Items To Build Your Emergency Preparedness Kit

When severe weather or some other emergency strikes, being prepared can make all the difference for you and your family. We have put together a list of essential items to help you build an emergency preparedness kit for you and your family.

Gallery Credit: Kat Mykals

Be Prepared: Essential Tornado Safety Tips to Protect Your Family and Pets

When a tornado warning is issued, seconds count. That's why it is so incredibly important to be prepared. We've put together a guide to help you be ready when severe weather strikes.

Gallery Credit: Kat Mykals