Columbia Gas Situation Update in Elyria - Nov. 29, 2018

UPDATE: THE SHELTER HAS BEEN MOVED TO EASTERN HEIGHTS SCHOOL - 528 GARFORD AVE. - TO ALLOW FOR HOT SHOWERS.  MORE UPDATES WHEN AVAILABLE.

The City of Elyria Mayor’s Office was informed this afternoon that during routine maintenance by Columbia Gas, air was discovered in a gas line.  Columbia Gas said it did not know how the air was introduced to the line.  As a result, approximately 2,500 Columbia Gas customers will go without gas for between 24 – 48 hours.   

The City of Elyria has been working with Lorain County Emergency Management and the Red Cross.  A shelter has been opened at Eastern Heights School – 528 Garford Ave. for residents.  Those who need assistance or transportation to the shelter should call (440) 284-0357.  The Elyria Fire Department is urging resident NOT to use auxiliary heating methods.  The Red Cross is prepared to open additional shelters if the demand exists. 

According to Columbia Gas, customers in the impacted area who need alternative housing other than the East Park Recreation Center can email ohlodging@nisource.com or call 1-800-915-9161.

 

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Customers in the Eastern Heights area are affected.  Please see the attached map for exact boundaries.  Columbia Gas is working to turn off the valves at the customer meters so that natural gas can be reintroduced into the distribution delivery system. Following that, Columbia Gas crews will begin the process of restoring service to customers.

Columbia Gas crews from other locations around the state are arriving in the area to assist with the restoration of service.  Columbia Gas says employees will work non-stop to restore service and relight appliances in homes and businesses.

Restoration of service requires Columbia Gas crews to access impacted customers’ homes to complete a safety inspection and relight appliances. This could take approximately 30 minutes per home. Impacted customers need to be advised of the following:

By law and for your safety, Columbia Gas employees and contractors are capable of restoring service.

An adult must be present at the home to allow Columbia Gas workers to restore service.

Impacted customers are advised to keep their porch light on.

If impacted customers are planning to leave their homes, please leave contact information on your door or with a neighbor so that our crews can gain access to the home to reestablish service.

Columbia Gas employees and contractors carry photo IDs and will be happy to show them on request.

Customers that have special needs or medical concerns should contact Columbia Gas at 1-800-344-4077. Customers worried about frozen pipes are advised to keep cold water dripping from any faucet in the home. Even a trickle helps prevent pipes from freezing.

Updates will be available throughout the day on the Columbia Gas web site here, via Twitter @columbiagasohio, and on Facebook. from my iPhone