Five Ways To Stay Safe During The Newport Gas Emergency

NEWPORT, R.I. -- More than 7,100 National Grid customers have been affected by a natural gas outage in Newport and Middletown. Governor Gina Raimondo has declared a state of emergency for the county, and all affected residents are encouraged to leave their homes and stay somewhere warm.

READ MORE: Raimondo Declares State of Emergency in Newport

Here's what to know to stay safe during the gas emergency:

1. Where Can I Go?

If you are affected by the outage, it is not safe to stay in your home overnight due to dangerously low temperatures. Warming shelters have been set up at Gaudet Middle School on Aquidneck Avenue in Middletown and at the University of Rhode Island's Memorial Union and Ryan Center.

National Grid will reimburse hotel costs for those who need somewhere warm to stay, as well as the cost of ride sharing services such as Uber or Lyft. If you use one of these services, save all receipts and you will be reimbursed later. The Newport Marriott has been set up as a command center for emergency efforts. Go there if you need help finding a place to stay.

Anyone unable to drive or in need of assistance is encouraged to call 211. Governor Raimondo is encouraging those who are not affected by the outage to check in on their Newport friends and neighbors and offer assistance in any way they can.

The National Guard has been deployed to the area and is assisting the Red Cross and other emergency officials.

2. What Do I Do If I Smell Gas?

If you smell gas in your home, leave your house immediately and call National Grid at 1-800-322-3223 or 911. Wait for authorities to arrive and address the situation.

National Grid also recommends the following:

• Leave windows and doors as they are.
• Do not touch any electrical or light switches, doorbells, phones or anything that could cause a spark such as any appliances or thermostats.
• Do not turn any electrical equipment on or off.
• Do not pull plugs from outlets.
• Extinguish any open flames such as lit candles.
• If you have a gas range or oven make sure the controls are turned off.
• Do not smoke or light matches.

3. Should I Turn Off My Gas or Furnace?

National Grid does not recommend that customers attempt to shut off gas on their own. This includes both appliances and meters.

Over 1,000 workers have been deployed to the area and will address each house individually.

4. When Will Service Be Restored?

Unlike a power outage, each house needs to be individually addressed before service can be restored. Full service restoration could take up to a week.

To keep pipes from freezing, let faucets in your home drip.

If you are not home when National Grid comes to restore service, they will leave a hang-tag on the door with further instructions and will return to your house as soon as possible when you contact them.

5. What About My Pet?

The Potter League for Animals is offering as an emergency shelter for all pets of residents affected by the outage. You can bring your pet to 87 Oliphant Lane in Middletown, where it will be kept warm and cared for.

As a reminder, no animals other than service animals are allowed in warming shelters.

Pets should not be left behind in unheated homes.

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