Safety During a Natural Disaster: What You Need to Know

Natural gas utilities are working to ensure the safety of customers, employees and the public.

It is for anyone impacted by winter storms to remember these safety tips:

• Never use natural gas appliances, such as a stove, oven or grill to heat homes or businesses.
• Ensure that outdoor vent openings and air intakes are not obstructed by snow or ice.
• Never use a shovel or hard object to remove snow from a natural gas meter. Avoid damage by using a brush or broom. Call your local utility if the meter is encased in ice.
• Natural gas is odorized to smell like rotten eggs. If you smell it, be sure to leave your house immediately and call 9-1-1 or your local gas utility from a safe location.
• Know what’s below. Call 8-1-1 before digging into the ground for any reason.   

It is important to remember these safety tips after a natural disaster, including a hurricane: 

Mutual Assistance
AGA’s Mutual Assistance program is available when needed. Members: Access the Mutual Assistance Database.

Resources

• AGA Emergency Preparedness Handbook
• National Weather Service
• Southern Gas Association
• Southern Gas Company
• Clearwater Gas
• Florida Public Utilities
• Chesapeake
• Duke/Piedmont
• TECO Peoples Gas
• Spire
• Request a Part 107 Waiver or Operation in Controlled Airspace
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• U.S. Department of Energy
• Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration​
• Federal Emergency Management Agency
• Stay of Enforcement: Pipeline Operators Affected by Hurricane Michael
• PHMSA Hurricane Michael Preparedness and Response Efforts
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Emergency Declarations, Waivers, Exemptions and Permits