Don’t Let Mother Nature Control You: Make a Plan During National Preparedness Month

GRIMES, IA - Sept. 15, 2017 - Wildfires, droughts, record-breaking heatwaves, tornados, flash floods, earthquakes, blizzards …

When it comes to natural disasters, there's not a lot we can control.

But during September's National Preparedness Month, you and your family can ready yourselves for a disaster so you're not caught unaware.

'At Black Hills Energy, we plan and train so we're ready whenever there's an energy emergency,' said Tracy Peterson, Vice President of Black Hills Energy's Iowa gas operations. 'And we want to help our customers make sure they're prepared in an emergency situation, too.'

It can seem daunting to consider everything you need to do during a disaster. But with a little research and planning, you can be prepared no matter what Mother Nature hurls at you and your family.

Emergency preparedness resources

How to prepare for a natural disaster

• Prepare an emergency plan, and conduct an emergency drill with your family.
• Prepare an evacuation plan for your home.
• Establish a place where you and your family can reunite.
• Prepare and maintain an emergency preparedness kit with enough supplies to be self-sufficient for at least three days.

Natural gas safety tips to practice during a disaster

• For any of the following, call Black Hills Energy's 24-hour emergency toll-free number at 800-694-8989:
  • Natural gas is odorized to smell like rotten eggs. If you detect a rotten egg smell, leave your house immediately and call 911 or the number above.
  • If your gas meter is turned off, don't turn it back on. Call the number above to complete an inspection and for service restoration.
• Don't move natural gas appliances on your own. Call a licensed professional to be sure appliances are handled safely.
• Always call 811 before you dig: It's free, it's safe and it's the law.

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