Preparing for Natural Disasters

• For updated information, check websites like Ready.gov.
• Protect sensitive electronics with surge protectors or unplug them.
• Make sure portable generators are fueled and that you know how to connect and use one safely.
• In winter, be ready with snow removal equipment, rock salt to melt ice and sand to improve traction.
• If severe weather is expected, turn off major appliances like heat pumps and water heaters.
• Talk with children about storms and how you are preparing.
• Assign an emergency meeting place in case your family gets separated and know who is responsible for each part of your emergency plan.
• Identify a “safe room” where your family can take cover.

• Report and check status of any outages. Report downed lines.
• Stay away from downed lines and anything touching them. Always assume lines are energized.
• Use generators safely.
• Please be careful of our linemen when you see them on the roadside making emergency repairs.
• Avoid unnecessary travel to leave roadways open for emergency personnel and first-responders.

It is NOT necessary to turn off your natural gas service at the meter during a hurricane; and utility or emergency personnel should only ever turn off this valve. Underground pipelines are not normally affected – even in extreme storms – so gas service is rarely interrupted.

If you believe your home or business may become flooded to the point where the water could extinguish appliance pilot lights, you can turn off the appliance at the supply valve – typically located within six feet of the appliance. Valves typically turn in one direction and require only one-quarter of a turn to close.

Prior to a storm, familiarize yourself with the location of these supply valves. If any of your appliances or appliance valves have been submerged in water, do not try to relight your pilot. Instead, contact a qualified contractor to inspect before using.

If at you're home after an earthquake and smell a natural gas leak, leave immediately and leave the door open. If in a public building, leave through the nearest exit. Do not use any electric switch, telephone or cell phone, garage door opener or flashlight as they can cause sparks and ignite gas.

Do not start or stop nearby vehicles, machinery, or things that may spark. Do not smoke, use a lighter or strike a match. From a safe place, call 911 and Dominion Energy.