Columbia Gas Company has informed the city that due to a loss of pressure, a gas main in Methuen has been shut down causing gas outages affecting over one thousand customers in West Methuen. There is no danger to residents from the work being performed. Columbia Gas is in the process of locking all gas meters in the impacted areas to the off position as a safety precaution. They are in residential areas going door to door to gain access to each residential meter. Work will continue throughout the night and into Friday, December 10th. Once the problem is fixed, Columbia Gas service personnel will go door-to-door to inspect natural gas appliances inside property before turning on the gas meter. There is no time estimation for gas service restoration at this point. The City of Methuen is activating its Emergency Management Operation. A shelter will be set up at the Timony Grammar School on 45 Pleasant View Street in Methuen beginning at 9pm tonight. All schools Pre-K through Grade 12 are closed in the City of Methuen Friday, December 10, 2010. For information and assistance regarding gas outages, please call the Methuen Fire Department at 978-983-8940.