Repairs to a damaged gas line on South Broadway in Salem, New Hampshire are expected to be completed tonight, with service relights beginning immediately and lasting through the overnight hours.
Approximately 300 natural gas customers in Salem lost service earlier today following damage caused by a third party contractor. Gas service was shut off to the area at approximately 11:30 a.m. in order to make the area safe and begin repairs.
"Our crews will be going door-to-door tonight to restore service, so customers in the affected area should expect a knock on the door tonight from one of our technicians...Our team will remain in the area until we have restored service to all affected customers."
Alec O’Meara, Media Relations Manager
Restoration to the affected customers requires the following steps:
- Unitil technicians will go door to door to make sure all affected meters are turned off.
- All needed repairs will be made.
- Service is restored to each customer via a manual relight of the pilot
Currently, all meters will be shut off and repairs are on track to be completed in the late afternoon/early evening timeframe. At that point, gas technicians will begin the process of going door to door to restore gas service in the affected area. Because the affected area includes a number of commercial businesses, relights for these customers may not occur until the building is again occupied in the morning.
"Our crews will be going door-to-door tonight to restore service, so customers in the affected area should expect a knock on the door tonight from one of our technicians. If a customer is not home, we will leave notification at the residence that we can restore their service and a number to reach us. Our team will remain in the area until we have restored service to all affected customers, said Unitil's Media Relations Manager Alec O’Meara.
Affected customers seeking additional information regarding the restoration process can find it online here.
Natural gas leaks are usually recognized by smell, sight or sound. DO NOT use a lighter, use telephones, switch on/off appliances, light fixtures or even a flashlight in any area where you smell gas. These items can produce sparks that might ignite the gas and cause an explosion. AGAIN, if customers in New Hampshire suspect a natural gas leak, immediately move to a safe environment and call 911 or Unitil at 866-900-4115.
Unitil will provide regular updates to local media outlets regarding restoration progress.
