TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Oct. 29, 2012) - With heavy rainfall and high winds expected in the coming days, Enbridge Gas Distribution (TSX:ENB) (NYSE:ENB) reminds customers to be prepared and know what to do should they experience flooding or come across damaged natural gas equipment as a result of the storm.
Natural gas appliances and meters or regulators that are fully or partially submerged as a result of flooding pose a potential safety risk. Enbridge Gas Distribution is advising customers who experience flooding to call our 24-hour Emergency Number at 1-866-763-5427. Enbridge will send a technician to inspect and, if necessary, turn off the natural gas supply to impacted equipment or the premises as a safety precaution.
Enbridge is advising customers not to enter any flooded areas with electrically-operated gas fired equipment due to a potential electrical shock hazard, which may cause severe injury or death.
Anyone who smells natural gas or is aware of damage to natural gas equipment is advised to clear the area and call the Enbridge Gas Distribution Emergency Number at 1-866-763-5427. Emergency calls will receive top priority.
Should customers experience flooding as a result of the storm, we remind them that before doing any work to clear a blocked sewer line beyond the outside walls of a building, it is very important to call Ontario One Call at 1-800-400-2255 to request a free Natural Gas Sewer Safety Inspection. It is possible that some natural gas lines could intersect with sewer service lines. A serious safety issue may result if tools used to clear the sewer service line damage a natural gas line, causing a gas leak.
Flooding can impair the effectiveness of safety devices installed in natural gas equipment and appliances. If natural gas equipment that has been submerged is shut off for safety reasons, customers will need to contact a licensed Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) contractor to have the affected appliance(s) serviced or repaired. Enbridge does not provide HVAC products or services.
Customers who have a regular service provider, a heating maintenance plan or a rental contract should contact their supplier directly. Customers can also locate an HVAC contractor in the phone book under Heating Contractors or Appliances - Sales & Services or visit the Technical Standards and Safety Authority at www.tssa.org to find a contractor or verify their registration.
Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. has a more than 160-year history and is Canada's largest natural gas distribution company. It is owned by Enbridge Inc., a Canadian-based leader in energy transportation and distribution and one of the 2012 Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations. Enbridge Inc. has been selected as one of Canada's Greenest Employers for 2012 and is one of Canada's Top 100 Employers. Enbridge Gas Distribution and its affiliates distribute natural gas to more than 1.9 million customers in Ontario, Quebec, New York State and New Brunswick. For more information, visit www.enbridgegas.com.
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