Brrr! Natural Gas Outage in Tucson

Brrr! Natural Gas Outage in Tucson





TUCSON - Southwest Gas is working to restore service to about 14,000 Southwest Gas customers out of luck Thursday due to the unseasonably cold weather.

Southwest Gas customers in the Rita Ranch and eastern foothills areas of Tucson are experiencing a natural gas outage.

Because of the bitter cold, demand is unusually high for the time of year, which has placed record demands on the interstate pipeline system.

Southwest is asking its other customers to moderate their thermostat level to help increase supply. Residents are also asked not to use natural gas logs or gaslights, and limit hot water usage.

An official with Southwest Gas official estimates it will be 2 or 3 days before those affected can turn back on the heat.

Southwest has called in additional servicemen from Las Vegas and California to help restore service.

Also in Tucson Thursday, freezing temperatures led to pump failures and other problems. Crews are also preparing for another night of below normal temperatures.

Fort Huachuca has announced an emergency closure on Friday. Only emergency essential personnel should report for work on Friday.

Tenants are asked to lower their thermostats to the lowest possible setting -- but not lower than 50 degrees.

Safety methods for alternative heating

• Keep all combustible materials at least 3 feet from space heaters.
  
  
• Do not leave space heaters unattended while in use.
  
  
• Do not use ovens or stoves to heat your house.
  
  
• Do not use wood in fireplaces designed to use gas.
  
  
• Before using your fireplace, make sure the flue is open and keep combustible materials away.
  
  
• Camping heaters are not designed to heat homes and may cause a carbon monoxide hazard.

www.swgas.com