
When a disaster occurs, many people think of a tornado, hurricane or a fire. You’re advised to stock up on water, batteries, food, blankets and any other items you might need for a few days. The Metropolitan Utilities District (M.U.D.) also has suggestions to help in your planning.
In an emergency or disaster, turn off all gas appliances as you would if you were leaving your home - like the stove, oven, gas fireplace, etc. If there is a situation where the gas supply needs to be shut down, M.U.D. will take care of it, and keep customers informed via the news media. An uncontrolled release of natural gas may result in fire, explosion or suffocation.
For water, leave your service on during a weather alert or disaster. You may need water for sanitary facilities or for extinguishing a small fire. For information about storing water for emergencies and disasters, please call the Douglas County Health Department, 402.444.7480.
If you smell gas or see water leaking from the surface of the street, call M.U.D. to report it: 402.554.7777. This line is operated 24/7 and there is no charge to check leaks.
For more information about what to do during an emergency, view the New Customer booklet: http://www.mudomaha.com/sites/default/files/New Customer Booklet 2016.pdf
Other helpful websites include: The Omaha Fire Department site: http://www.omaha-fire.org/disaster-preparedness and The Douglas County Emergency Management site: http://www.douglascounty-ne.gov/dcemacms/preparedness-and-outreach/personal-preparedness