If you smell gas, leave the building immediately, call 911 and then South Jersey Gas at 1.800.582.7060
Rain is essential. Flooding is another matter. Be prepared.
Protect Yourself from Flooding Hazards
Flood waters often conceal hazards that are not immediately obvious—and some of them can be very dangerous. Most people are already aware that water and electricity don't mix. Rising water can increase your exposure to other kinds of hazards, too.
When the weather person is calling for stormy weather:
- Secure loose items.
- Know where your gas meter is located (outside, in the basement, etc.).
If you notice water rising outside of your home, or you are planning to evacuate your home:
- Unplug all of your electrical appliances.
- If you can do so safely, turn off the natural gas supply valve to any gas appliances.
- Establish a backup power or temporary relocation plan if someone in your home is dependent on electric-powered medical equipment.
If your home is flooding:
- Remember that pools of water may become electrically charged. Appliances in standing water may also become charged, so do not touch them after they have become surrounded by water.
- If you can do so safely, turn off air conditioners or major appliances that may have been running when the outage occurred. This will help avoid a sudden surge of power when electric service is restored. Stay away from the breaker box in a flooded basement.
If you must leave your home during a flood:
- Remember that downed power lines are dangerous and should be avoided. Stay at least 30 feet away from all downed wires and keep others from going near them as well. To report downed wires, call 911 immediately and then your electric utility to report them.
- In the event that an electric line or wire comes down on your vehicle, stay in the vehicle until professional help arrives to safely remove you from the vehicle.
After flood waters recede:
- If the natural gas service was turned off at the meter, do not try to turn it back on yourself. Call SJG at 1.888.766.9900.
- Appliances and equipment (heaters, water heaters, etc) that have been exposed to water may not operate properly and can be hazardous. Have your home and appliances inspected and make repairs before calling SJG at 1.888.766.9900 to restore your service.
Many towns or municipalities require inspection prior to restoring gas and electric services. After water has been cleared, contact your town to determine if this is a requirement.