Today, gas service was interrupted to approximately 1200 residents in the South Baltimore-Locust Point area. The outage could last days and residents and businesses should prepare now and stay informed. Prior to service restoration for the area, BGE must access all the homes and businesses to physically disconnect the gas service. Account holders without gas in the affected areas should call (410) 685-0123 to arrange access to interior gas meters. Once the repair of the damage gas main and interior gas service of all 1200 customers have been disconnected, the gas service can be restored. BGE will then need to reenter and enable individual gas meters.

The Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Emergency Management and supporting City agencies will assist BGE during reconnection efforts while responding to community concerns and requests. Residents should know the following:

• Be aware of possible gas odors. While crews work throughout the night, there may be a slight odor of gas in the area. Residents who smell gas should leave the premises immediately and then call BGE at 1-800-685-0123.
• Stay informed regarding reconnection status and plan accordingly. 
• Polling location Francis Scott Key Elementary in South Baltimore will be open.
• Conserve hot water stored in hot water heater. Remember new water entering the water heater will not be heated.
• Call BGE at 1-800-685-0123 for utility related information.
• Call 311 for non-emergency city services or assistance; 911 in the event of an emergency.
  
  The Baltimore City Fire Department reminds all City residents of the following safety tips:
• The Baltimore City Fire Department strongly discourages the use of propane, kerosene, torpedo or other heat producing devices inside your home. These appliances used to produce heat require various forms of fuel to burn; however they can produce deadly carbon monoxide that can lead to certain death if exposed for any duration of time. 
• Make sure smoke alarms are operational by testing them and replacing the battery.
• Use extreme caution when operating electrical space heaters. Make sure to create a minimum of 36" circumstance around any space heater being used to warm your home.
• Do not overpower electrical power strips or connect more than one extension cord to an outlet. Turn off all electrical appliances when not in use. 
• If using a fireplace to heat your home, be sure to use a metal screen or fireplace cover to preventing burning embers from entering your living space.
• For those using electric stoves, be mindful not to leave hand towels or muffs on a hot or burning stove grill. You don't necessarily need an open flame to ignite combustible materials.
• Make certain that you and your family have practiced your home evacuation plan and that everyone knows how to safely escape and are familiar with a safe meeting place.