Black Hills : Energy Issues Flood Safety Warning for Decorah Area

DECORAH, Iowa. - Aug. 24, 2016 - As a safety precaution in the wake of flooding and potential flooding in Decorah and the surrounding area, Black Hills Energy employees have temporarily shut off natural gas service to several Decorah customers. Black Hills Energy employees continue to monitor the situation and work closely with emergency response officials. The company will provide service restoration updates in partnership with media outlets.

'Flooding presents the risk of natural gas leaks when equipment or appliances are submerged and pilot lights go out,' said Steve Sweet, Black Hills Energy's operations supervisor for the Decorah area. 'Safety is always our first concern, and we will turn off the natural gas at locations in a flood's path to protect our customers.'

Floodwaters carry silt and other contaminants that could damage air conditioners, natural gas meters and appliances, including water heaters and furnaces. The company says the first step customers should take when returning to a home or business once floodwaters recede is to call on an appliance repair professional to inspect natural gas appliances and equipment.

If you smell natural gas, get everyone out of the building or area immediately. Don't touch any electrical switches or raise any windows on the way out. Doing so can create a spark of static electricity that could ignite a gas leak.

Don't use a phone within the immediate location - use a neighbor's phone or a cell phone safely away from the building or area to call 911 or Black Hills Energy's emergency number. Black Hills Energy's 24-hour emergency number is 800-694-8989.

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