CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – With hurricane season underway through the end of November, Stephanie Benson with Columbia Natural Gas of Virginia notes it’s important to make sure your natural gas infrastructure and appliances are protected.

“It’s important for you to know how to prepare and stormproof your natural gas appliances, gas meter and more, as there are some unique aspects to this process,” Benson said.

Before the storm, or even right now in preparation well before a storm threatens, you should label gas valves, water valves, and electrical main switches. In the event of a flood or any other impact, you’re going to want to turn off electric power to each appliance and leave it off. If natural gas is shut off at the meter, call Columbia or your natural gas provider to turn it back on. Floodwaters may shift your home, your meter, or cause other stresses that might resut in a leak, so call your provider to check your meter and regulator before using your gas appliances.

Benson urges you to know the location of your meter and keep that area clear of trash and debris. You may have to clear some more in a storm’s aftermath. If you smell the sulfur-like “rotten egg” odor of natural gas or think there may be a gas leak, stop what you are doing, leave the area immediately, and then call 911 and then your natural gas provider’s emergency line.
For all the weather safety tips, click here.