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• How to Reach Us
• Safety
• Turning Off Your Gas

*HOW TO REACH US*

Customer Service 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays 451-2480
Customer Service after hours or weekends 451-1616
Power outage reporting and information 451-1616
Hazardous situation 451-1616 or 911
TTD/TTY for speech/hearing-impaired 451-8828

Safety

OPU is committed to making our system safe and reliable for the good of customers and employees. Please report all Utility Safety Concerns to OPU at (507) 451-1616.

Turning Off Your Gas

Gas Meter

Knowing the location of your main shutoff valve will help you turn off the gas supply to your entire home quickly, if that's ever needed. In general, you don't need to shut off a gas meter unless there is a strong odor or sound of escaping gas or if there is major damage to the building. If you gas is turned off, there may be a considerable delay before OPU can turn you service on, but don't turn it on yourself. Leave it off until service can be re-established safely by a OPU service person or other qualified professional.

• Know where your main shut-off valve is located.
• Keep a wrench handy to turn off the gas.

Appliance Shutoffs Valve

Most gas appliances have a valve that lets you turn off the gas to that appliance only.

• Know which of your home's appliances run on natural gas.
• Know where their appliance shutoff valves are located. In most cases, turning off the gas at the appliance's shutoff valve will suffice.

Pilot Lights

Many older gas appliances have a small, continuously burning gas flame-the pilot light-that ignites the main burner. Newer models have electric igniters.

• Know which, if any, of your appliances have a pilot light.
• Keep the manufacturer's relighting instructions within easy reach.

Gas Odors

• Keep a flashlight handy to investigate minor gas odors. Check pilot lights to make sure they are lit. Never use matches or candles, and never turn any electric switches on or off if you smell gas.
• Always wait five minutes to let gas disperse before trying to relight your appliance.
• If the smell or sound of escaping gas continues or if you have any doubts, open windows and doors and get everyone out of the building. Call OPU or 911 from the nearest phone away from the gas odor.

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