Respond safely in flood emergencies
Heavy rains can cause flooding any time of the year. A few simple steps can keep your family safe if your basement floods:
- Safety first. Don't step in floodwater. Before you go into your basement, call North Shore Gas at 866-556-6005 and ComEd at 800-334-7661 to turn off your natural gas and electricity.
- Dry up. Drain the area using a gasoline-powered water pump located outside your home, or an electric pump connected to an outside line.
- Use your nose. If you smell natural gas, leave immediately. Don't operate gas or electric appliances. Call the North Shore Gas 24-hour gas emergency number at 866-556-6005 from your mobile phone or a neighbor's home.
- Check it out. Hire a qualified contractor to inspect appliances such as gas furnaces, water heaters and dryers. North Shore Gas can restore service to your home when these items have been inspected and are safe for you to use.
Follow these safety rules:
- Monitor the NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, or your favorite news source for vital weather-related information.
- If flooding occurs, get to higher ground. Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots, canyons, washes etc.
- Avoid areas already flooded, especially if the water is flowing fast. Do not attempt to cross flowing streams. Turn Around Don't Drown.
- Road beds may be washed out under flood waters. NEVER drive through flooded roadways. Turn Around Don't Drown.
- Do not camp or park your vehicle along streams and rivers, particularly during threatening conditions.
- Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
