Before the Storm
As you prepare your home for a potential storm, it is not necessary to turn off your natural gas meter. In fact, Southeast Gas advises customers to never attempt to turn off natural gas at the meter. Unless there is an interruption to natural gas service during the storm, your tank-style natural gas water heater, cooktop, space heaters and grill should all continue to operate normally. If there is a loss of electricity, cooktops, space heaters and grill that utilize an electronic ignition will need to be lit manually, so it may be helpful to have matches nearby. Because you may need these appliances upon loss of electricity, Southeast Gas also advises that you not turn off gas at the appliance unless you are vacating your home and expecting extensive storm damage.
During the Storm
Seek safe shelter and remain calm. Do not try to drive or conduct a damage assessment until the storm passes.
After the Storm
As you return to your home or business after a storm passes, be alert for potential natural gas hazards.
We add an odorant to your natural gas to make it more detectable in case of a leak. The smell will be a distinct odor of rotten eggs.
If you smell natural gas inside your home or workplace, take the following steps:
- Leave immediately on foot, taking anyone else in the structure with you. Do not use electric switches, telephones (including your cell phone) or anything else that could cause a spark. Do not drive your car, since a car creates a spark when started.
- Go to a safe location and call us at (800) 660-8683. This line is monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Never assume that someone else has already reported a natural gas leak. Southeast Gas checks suspected natural gas leaks at no cost to you, and our first priority is your safety.
- Never try to repair a natural gas leak yourself. Leave the repairs to our trained staff, who will be at the location quickly should an emergency occur.
If you smell natural gas outside, take the following steps:
- Leave immediately on foot in a crosswind direction away from the leak or vapor cloud and maintain a safe distance.
- Warn others to stay away from the leak. Abandon any equipment being used in or near the area.
If your home or business is flooded during a storm, take the following steps:
- Contact us to request that Southeast Gas personnel inspect your appliances and natural gas piping to ensure that they are in good working condition prior to reconnection of your service.
- Upon final clean-up of debris and excess water, contact us to have your natural gas service restored.
