FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What is the status of the aftermath of the explosion?
CenterPoint Energy completed repairs of gas lines in the area on March 1. Because there is frost in the ground, some street and yard repairs are temporary in nature. Permanent repairs will be made in the spring.
As a precaution, a "Sniffer Truck" may be seen driving through the area over the next few days monitoring gas levels. CenterPoint Energy is monitoring streets other than Arden Avenue. Residents who live on other streets should not be alarmed if they see the utility company working near their homes.
The Edina Fire Department is gathering information and will meet later this week with representatives of other public safety agencies involved in the incident to complete a Post Incident Analysis (PIA) of the event. Early reports indicated that the immediate area was evacuated before the explosion and a wider area evacuated after. More recent information is contrary to some of those reports. Questions and concerns about evacuations in the area before and after the explosion are among the items to discuss in the PIA. The PIA will be complete and a summary of results made available in March.
CenterPoint Energy is expected to return to the area after the spring thaw for "yard restorations." Any area affected by CenterPoint's digging will be fully restored at that time. This process may result in some road blockages or closures and is expected to take approximately two weeks.
Is it safe in my home/neighborhood? Can I small natural gas? If I smell it, what should I do?
Yes. Since approximately 11 p.m. Feb. 23, homes in the affected area have been determined safe to occupy. CenterPoint Energy crews continue to monitor the area for residual gas. If you are unsure if your home is safe, contact Fire Chief Marty Scheerer, 952-826-0332 or mscheerer@ci.edina.mn.us.
Natural gas in its natural form is odorless. CenterPoint Energy adds mercaptan to the gas to give it its distinctive "rotten eggs" smell. If you ever detect even a small amount of the odor of natural gas in the air, don't stay-get away. If you smell gas, don't touch or turn off your computer, start your car or call for help. Gather your family and pets and leave the area on foot! After you go someplace away from the odor, call your natural gas provider. If you don't know that number, dial emergency services, 9-1-1.
Explosive gas alarms, similar to carbon monoxide detectors, can be purchased from local retailers.
There is debris on my property. Is the City or CenterPoint Energy going to pick it up? Who do I contact if I have a claim? Should we expect our street(s) to be closed again for any period of time? How can I assist the victims? Who can I contact for more information?
Property owners are encouraged to pick up the debris and dispose of it with their trash. Debris from the explosion should be handled wearing gloves. If you have an inordinate amount of debris on your property, contact Fire Chief Marty Scheerer, 952-826-0332.
Contact your insurance agent if you have received property damage from the explosion.
As repairs are made to the street, residents should expect portions of Arden Avenue to be blocked.
A fund has been set up at the North American Banking Company to aid Matthew and Jeanette Auguston and family, who lost their home. Donations can be made to the Auguston Fund in care of North American Banking Company, 4999 France Ave., Suite 120, Minneapolis, MN 55410. Please write "Auguston Fund" in the memo line of the check. No other donations are being accepted at this time.
For more information, contact:
Fire Chief Marty Scheerer
Comments (0)Subscribe to CommentsComment