Columbus, OH — March 7, 2025 — With Severe Weather Awareness Week approaching (March 16-22), Columbia Gas of Ohio is urging customers to take precautions and be prepared for the spring storms that could impact the region.
As severe weather can strike unexpectedly, Columbia Gas is providing the following safety tips to help ensure the safety of residents:
General Severe Weather Safety:
- Develop an emergency plan and practice it with your family to be prepared for all types of severe weather.
- Store flammable liquids, such as gasoline, paint, and cleaning products, away from natural gas appliances with pilot lights to avoid fire hazards.
- If your natural gas appliances are affected by severe weather, do not attempt to restore service yourself. Contact a qualified professional to inspect, repair, or replace any affected gas appliances or piping.
- In case you smell the sulfur-like “rotten egg” odor of natural gas or suspect a leak, immediately stop what you’re doing, evacuate the area, and call 911 and Columbia Gas at 1-800-344-4077.
Flooding Safety Tips:
- During flooding, ensure you turn off the power to all electrical appliances and leave them off.
- If your natural gas supply is turned off at the meter due to flooding, call Columbia Gas to safely turn it back on.
- If floodwaters have reached your gas meter, call Columbia Gas to inspect the meter and regulator before using any natural gas appliances. Flooding may have caused structural damage or displaced the meter, which could lead to gas leaks.
Other Important Safety Tips:
- Keep your gas meter clear of debris. Avoid placing objects on or around your natural gas meter and use a broom to gently clear away any dirt or debris. Ensure that nothing obstructs the meter or piping.
With the weather forecast predicting severe storms for the weekend, including high winds and heavy rainfall, Columbia Gas is reminding customers to stay vigilant. A storm system moving across the Midwest this weekend will bring gusts over 40 mph to central Ohio, with heavy rain likely to fall Saturday night. The National Weather Service predicts thunderstorms after 5 p.m. on Saturday, with wind gusts reaching 32 mph and a chance of up to half an inch of rain.
Columbus Weather Forecast for the Week of March 13, 2025:
- Thursday: Mostly sunny, high near 72°F.
- Friday: Sunny, high near 78°F, gusty winds.
- Saturday: Showers and thunderstorms possible after 5 p.m., high near 75°F, breezy with gusts up to 32 mph.
- Sunday: Showers likely before 2 p.m., partly sunny, high near 61°F.
- Monday: Sunny, high near 54°F.
As the weather gets unpredictable, it’s essential to stay informed, make preparations, and follow safety protocols. Columbia Gas of Ohio encourages residents to be proactive in safeguarding their homes and families during this Severe Weather Awareness Week.
