Police Offer Tips For Restoring Utilities Following Floods

There Berrien County Sheriff’s Department has issued the following statement on the restoration of utilities shut off due to this week’s flooding:

The record flooding that struck the area in the past few days has disrupted the lives of many residents. The
safety of our citizens is out No.1 priority, and power to a number of homes, businesses and neighborhoods had
to be disconnected to protect your safety.

As floodwaters receded and residents return to your homes, the restoration effort for many of you will include
re-connecting your power. In order to continue to protect your safety, the damage assessment teams working in
conjunction with the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management Office needs to inspect your
premises to certify the power is safe to reconnect.

Local codes and electrical standards require us to inspect your premises before power can be restored. We are
working with Indiana Michigan Power to identify areas where power has been disconnected. In some cases,
inspectors may visit your home. We ask that you be patient as a number of homes must be inspected.
You may also call I&M at 1-800- 311-6424 if you have any questions.

Thank you for putting safety first.

Here is a list of the respective building inspection departments that may be involved in the inspection process.
If you reside in any of these areas and your electrical power had to be disconnected, please contact the building
inspector in your respective jurisdiction to schedule an appointment.

City of Niles (269) 683-4700
Township of Niles (269) 684-0870 ext. 18
Township of Berrien (269) 461-6925
Township of Royalton (269) 429-2501
Township of Sodus (269) 663-2347

If you reside in a jurisdiction not listed above, please contact your City, Township, or Village Building
Inspection Department.

GAS COMPANIES:
After your properties are inspected and approval is given to have power restored, you may also have to contact
the gas providers that service your area.

Here is a list of the companies and the contact numbers, in case you need to contact them.

Michigan Gas Utilities – 1-800- 401-6402
SEMCO – 1-800- 624-2019
Amerigas (Propane) – 1-800- 427-4968

If the natural gas provider for your residence/business is different from the above mentioned companies, please
contact your natural gas service provider.