National Fuel Offers Flooding Advice

National Fuel offers customers the following information should they experience flooding in their basements:

· If flooding has affected a customer’s natural gas appliances (furnaces, hot water tanks, etc.), they should not attempt to re-light the pilot lights on that equipment. If furnace or hot water tank controls were submerged, the floodwater may have caused damage that could affect the safe operation of the equipment. A qualified contractor should be called to inspect the appliances.

· While the basement is flooded, customers should NOT attempt to adjust any gas equipment or their gas meter.

· Customers should not turn on any gas valve that has been turned off by National Fuel or emergency personnel when flooding has occurred. Once the water has subsided, contact National Fuel at 1-800-444-3130 and the company will test and restore the service at no charge to its customers. Appliances affected by floodwater will remain turned off and the customer will be required to contact a heating contractor or plumber to verify that the equipment will operate safely.

· As always, if a gas odor is present, the customer should open a window for ventilation, leave the premises and call National Fuel at 1-800-444-3130 immediately. Do not use any appliances or operate any electrical switches if a gas odor is present. Representatives are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to receive emergency calls