Safety Tips
Miss Utility, Dial 8-1-1
Call 1-800-441-8355 at least two (2) business days prior to digging – it's a Maryland law! Anyone planning to alter the surface of the ground – by digging new gardens or driving rods, pins or fence posts into the ground – MUST use this free service. Miss Utility will notify Easton Utilities of your proposed excavation plans so a utility representative can mark the location of any underground utility lines or pipes. Utility locations will be indicated by ground paint and/or flags so you can dig safely. Anyone failing to comply with Miss Utility laws is subject to a civil penalty of $1,000 or 10 times the cost of repairs. Homeowners may also call Miss Utility by dialing 8-1-1.
For more information, visit www.missutility.net.
Gas Odor
Natural gas has no odor of its own. Its distinctive smell is actually a harmless chemical we add so you can detect even the smallest amount that might escape. It smells bad… but that's good! Everyone should be able to recognize our built-in safety signal. If you smell gas outdoors, call us immediately. If you smell gas indoors, check pilot lights and burner valves. If neither is the cause, call us immediately. Our special equipment will detect the source of the leak and a contractor may need to be called to make repairs. For a list of area contractors, please visit the Contractor Listing page. Never be embarrassed if the suspected leak turns out not to be a leak.
Fallen Wires
A downed electrical wire is dangerous - stay away, warn others and call us immediately, day or night, at 410-822-6110. If a wire falls across your car, do not get out of the car until emergency help arrives.
Power Lines
- Avoid overhead wires when placing or moving ladders or other metal objects.
- Do no erect antennas near power lines.
- Do not climb utility poles or towers.
- Do not climb trees that are close to power lines.
- Avoid flying kites, metallic balloons and model airplanes near power lines. If one gets caught, call Easton Utilities to remove it.
- Do not place swimming or wading pools under power lines.
- Do not allow children on or near pad-mounted transformers.
Carbon Monoxide
Inadequate ventilation can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Signs of buildup of this colorless, odorless gas are stuffy or foul-smelling air, high humidity and an accumulation of soot from fireplaces or furnaces. Overexposure to carbon monoxide is dangerous. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting and loss of muscle control. Prolonged exposure can lead to unconsciousness and brain damage or death. If you think you have been exposed to carbon monoxide, get lots of fresh air and seek medical attention immediately. Call Memorial Hospital at 410-822-1000 or 410-476-3771. Also call Easton Utilities at 410-822-6110 so that we may investigate the possible source.
Tampering
Tampering with utility lines or meters is a dangerous crime. Tampering with any utilities equipment may result in the termination of service without notice. If you know of tampering or suspect tampering, contact Easton Utilities' Supervisor of Customer Service or Supervisor of the Meter Department at (410) 822-6110. All information will be kept confidential.
Outages
During severe weather, occasional electrical outages occur. If you have an outage, call us and let us know where you live so we can correct the problem. We appreciate your patience during an outage and we want you to know that we make every effort to correct problems as quickly as possible.