SPENCER, Iowa – June 22, 2024 – Black Hills Energy is working with emergency officials in response to the flooding in Spencer and surrounding cities.  While many areas are still difficult to access, Black Hills Energy reminds customers of important safety steps involving natural gas.

  • Evacuate if you smell natural gas.  If you detect the odor of natural gas, leave the home or business immediately and call 911 on a cell phone outside the building or use a neighbor’s phone, then call us at 888-890-5554. Do not use the phone in the location where the smell of natural gas was detected or turn off any lights when exiting. If there is a natural gas leak, a spark could ignite it.
  • Turn off electrical appliance power if it is safe to do so. Flooding can damage appliances and creates a risk of electric shock. In the event of a flood, turn off electrical power to each appliance and leave it off.

Black Hills Energy is closely monitoring the situation and preparing to assess the natural gas system as soon as it’s possible to safely do so.

Floodwaters carry silt and other contaminants that could damage air conditioners, natural gas meters and appliances, including water heaters and furnaces.  Black Hills Energy asks impacted customers to call when returning to a home or business after floodwaters recede in order to have gas service restored. The company also recommends calling an appliance repair professional to inspect natural gas appliances. Black Hills Energy will inspect the metering equipment prior to restoring gas service.

Black Hills Energy will continue to monitor the situation and work closely with emergency response officials.

For additional safety tips during and after a flood, visit Flood safety | Black Hills Energy