Columbia Gas of Ohio : Statement Regarding Newcomerstown Incident

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 27, 2016

CONTACT
Dave Rau [phone]
Our thoughts are with the community and families dealing with the loss and impact of this tragic event. We want to assure our customers and the community of the safe operation of our system and our commitment to continue to deliver on those expectations.

Columbia Gas of Ohio assisted the Newcomerstown Fire Department, the State Fire Marshal's Office and the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio in the investigation of an incident that occurred at 540 Beaver Street in Newcomerstown, Ohio.

We conducted a thorough inspection of our facilities in the area and confirmed they are safe. The results of our investigation also indicate that our facilities that serve the community did not contribute to the incident. As our part of the investigation concludes, we will continue to support the Newcomerstown Fire Department and the State Fire Marshal's Office as they complete their investigation.

Our customers expect and deserve safe and reliable delivery of natural gas to their homes and businesses, and we are committed to delivering it. Natural gas safety requires a partnership between Columbia Gas of Ohio, our customers and communities.

• If a customer smells an odor of natural gas, they should leave the area immediately, move to a safe location and call Columbia Gas of Ohio at 800-344-4077 and 911.
• Contact certified contractors or plumbers for maintenance or repair work on natural gas appliances and house lines.
• Always call 811 at least two business days before beginning an excavation project to have all underground utilities located. It is a free service that ensures the safety of our community.

Newcomerstown residents may request an inside safety check of gas lines, by calling Columbia Gas at 800-344-4077.

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