Emergency contact numbers for after-hours utility issues

A burst water line, gas odor, power-related street hazard, or blocked storm drain can become dangerous quickly, especially when City offices are closed. Knowing which number to call helps route the problem to the right emergency response and limits damage to homes, streets, and public facilities.

For immediate danger, call 911. Report fires, explosions, serious injuries, suspected carbon monoxide exposure, or any situation that threatens people or property. Move to a safe location before making the call, and do not re-enter an area affected by gas or electrical hazards until emergency personnel say it is safe.

For non-life-threatening problems involving municipal water, natural gas, sewer service, streets, or stormwater, use the City’s current after-hours contact information. The official Public Works website is the best place to check department contacts, service notices, and instructions before a problem occurs.

Choose the right number

The correct contact depends on the utility and the location of the problem. A leak inside a private building may require a property owner, plumber, or licensed contractor, while a failure in the street, at a meter, or on public infrastructure should be reported to the City’s Public Works response channel.

Natural gas concerns require special caution. If you smell rotten-egg odor, hear hissing, or suspect a damaged gas line, leave the area immediately. Do not operate switches, start vehicles, use matches, or make a phone call from the suspected location. Once safely away, call 911 for immediate danger and then use the City’s published gas emergency contact when appropriate.

Emergency numbers and reporting channels

The following guide helps residents decide where to begin. Numbers for municipal after-hours response can change, so verify the current listing through the City’s official contact information rather than relying on an old refrigerator magnet or directory entry.

Situation	First contact	Information to provide
Fire, explosion, injury, or immediate threat	911	Exact location, hazard, injuries, and whether anyone is trapped
Suspected natural gas leak	Leave first, then 911	Odor, hissing, damaged line, and safe callback location
Water main break or major public leak	City after-hours Public Works contact	Address, visible flooding, water direction, and nearby landmarks
Sewer backup in a public line or street	City after-hours Public Works contact	Location, affected area, overflow, and whether traffic is blocked
Flooded roadway, blocked storm drain, or unsafe street condition	City after-hours Public Works contact; 911 if dangerous	Street name, direction of travel, obstruction, and immediate risks
Utility issue limited to private property	Property owner, landlord, or licensed service provider	Account address, equipment affected, and steps already taken
Underground digging or excavation concern	811 before work begins	Dig location, start date, and the person responsible for the project

What to report during the call

Give the dispatcher a precise address first. If the issue is outside a numbered property, describe the nearest intersection, cross street, hydrant, utility box, landmark, or direction of travel. Clear location details help crews find a leak or obstruction in poor weather and after dark.

Describe what you can safely observe without approaching the hazard. Useful details include the size and direction of a water flow, whether gas odor is present, the color of standing water, a fallen sign or tree, exposed pavement, and whether the problem is affecting neighboring properties. Mention children, older adults, animals, blocked roads, or other safety concerns.

Keep your phone available after reporting the issue. Crews may need access instructions, a gate code, or clarification about the location. Do not attempt to repair public valves, remove utility covers, enter flooded areas, or touch damaged infrastructure while waiting.

After-hours water and sewer problems

A sudden loss of water pressure, rapidly spreading leak, or water flowing from the pavement can indicate a main break. Turn off the private shutoff if you can do so safely, keep people away from the water, and report the location through the City’s current emergency contact channel. Avoid driving through flooded streets because moving water can conceal damaged pavement or open utility structures.

Sewer backups should be treated as a sanitation concern. Stop using sinks, toilets, washing machines, and other fixtures if wastewater is rising. Keep children and pets away from contaminated water, avoid direct contact, and tell the dispatcher whether the overflow is inside a building, in a yard, or in the street.

Gas, geothermal, and other utility hazards

Natural gas and geothermal facilities require professional assessment. Never try to locate a leak by opening equipment, testing a valve, or using a flame. If an appliance appears unsafe, leave it off and contact the appropriate emergency service from a safe location. Call 911 when there is a strong odor, visible damage, fire, illness, or any immediate threat.

Some utility interruptions may be planned maintenance rather than emergencies. Before reporting a service outage, check City notices and account information when it is safe to do so. Understanding charges and service details through read your utility bill can also help distinguish a billing question from a physical service failure.

Prepare before an emergency happens

Save the City’s Public Works contact page in your phone and keep a printed copy with household emergency information. Renters should also have a landlord or property manager’s number, while businesses should identify who can provide building access to responding crews.

• Save 911 and the current City after-hours utility number in your contacts.
• Learn where the private water and gas shutoff controls are located.
• Keep flashlights, batteries, gloves, and basic first-aid supplies accessible.
• Teach household members to leave immediately if they smell gas or see a serious hazard.
• Report routine leaks, damaged sidewalks, and drainage concerns before they become emergencies.

Review the City’s current utility and Public Works information now, while services are operating normally. Save the verified emergency contacts, share them with household members and tenants, and report urgent hazards promptly so the right responders can protect residents and public infrastructure.