Virginia Natural Gas urges preparedness for the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season
Prioritizing safety and readiness with key guidelines for severe weather
Virginia Beach, VA. – May 30, 2024 – The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1, and with predictions for an especially active 2024 season, Virginia Natural Gas (VNG) urges customers to be prepared for severe weather. NOAA forecasters predict an 85% chance of an above-normal season, with 17 to 25 named storms and potentially as many as 7 major hurricanes.
VNG crews are always ready to respond to any storm, prioritizing our No. 1 value – Safety First. While our buried gas lines offer greater resilience than above-ground utilities, our infrastructure and customers are not immune to the impacts of severe weather. That's why Virginia Natural Gas is providing customers with the following recommended natural gas safety guidelines for use before, during, and after a weather emergency:
Meter Safety:
- DO NOT turn off your gas supply at the main meter. Only VNG or emergency personnel should do so.
- Keeping meters on helps maintain proper pressure and prevents water from entering fuel lines during flooding.
- Ensure your meter is visible and free of debris. Report any damage to VNG's 24-hour emergency line at 1-877-572-3342 or 911.
Appliance Safety:
- Leave natural gas equipment operational during storms. Most modern gas appliances have safety valves that shut off automatically.
- If uncomfortable, contact a certified professional to shut off and later restore your appliances safely.
- Do not operate appliances that have been under water until inspected by a professional.
Damage Prevention:
- Contact VA811 before removing downed trees to avoid damaging natural gas lines.
- Report any damaged meters or exposed gas lines immediately.
Detecting Gas Leaks:
- If you smell the “rotten-egg” odor of natural gas, leave the area immediately and call 911 and 1-877-572-3342.
- Avoid actions that could cause sparks, such as using cell phones or light switches.
Generator Safety:
- Use generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas. Avoid backfeeding by plugging appliances directly into the generator.
- Consult VNG before purchasing a natural gas generator to ensure your service line and meter can handle the required gas load.
Personal Safety:
- Have an emergency preparedness kit with essential supplies, including medications, important documents, food, water and batteries.
- Follow road signs and drive cautiously near work crews after a storm.
- Know your flood zone and risk hazards. Visit the FEMA flood map service for details.
- For more hurricane preparedness tips, visit Ready.gov.
Stay Connected: During a storm, VNG communicates updates through the news media and on Facebook, X, Instagram and Nextdoor. For more information about natural gas safety, visit virginianaturalgas.com/safety.
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Virginia Natural Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Virginia Natural Gas provides natural gas service to more than 310,000 customers in southeast Virginia. Named a Top Workplace in 2023, Virginia Natural Gas also has been recognized as one of the safest, most reliable and customer-focused natural gas service providers and is consistently ranked in the top quartile for customer satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates. For more information, visit virginianaturalgas.com and connect with the company on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Media Contact:
Morgan Chase
Cell: 757-725-6916
mchase@southernco.com | www.virginianaturalgas.com/company/press-room
