Due to severe flooding caused by the recent rain, Virginia Natural Gas is asking residents to leave their gas on as a safety precaution if they
are forced to evacuate their home. A gas company employee, qualified plumber or HVAC contractor should be the only individuals turning natural
gas on or off.
"The safety of our customers, employees and the general public is our top priority," said Robert Duvall, vice president, Virginia Natural Gas. "Virginia Natural Gas emergency response crews will make every attempt to respond in as timely a manner as possible given the road conditions."
Anyone returning home after the flood waters have subsided and who suspects their natural gas appliances have been flooded or damaged should have the equipment inspected and serviced by a Qualified Gas Contractor or a Natural Gas Advantage dealer. To find a Natural Gas Advantage dealer in your area, visit www.virginianaturalgas.com.
Residents should also call the Virginia Natural Gas leak line at 1-877-572-3340 if they believe they have a natural gas leak. Natural gas is odorless, so for safety purposes, an odorant called "mercaptan" is added to generate a smell similar to rotten eggs.
Customers who smell a natural gas odor should adhere to the following safety procedures: - Do not use any devices that might create a spark, such as light switches, phones, flashlights, or electric appliances, including computers. A spark could ignite the gas. - Immediately have everyone leave the house. - Go to a nearby phone and call the Virginia Natural Gas leak line to report the odor. - Keep everyone away from the building until given the "all clear" from a gas company employee.
"The safety of our customers, employees and the general public is our top priority," said Robert Duvall, vice president, Virginia Natural Gas. "Virginia Natural Gas emergency response crews will make every attempt to respond in as timely a manner as possible given the road conditions."
Anyone returning home after the flood waters have subsided and who suspects their natural gas appliances have been flooded or damaged should have the equipment inspected and serviced by a Qualified Gas Contractor or a Natural Gas Advantage dealer. To find a Natural Gas Advantage dealer in your area, visit www.virginianaturalgas.com.
Residents should also call the Virginia Natural Gas leak line at 1-877-572-3340 if they believe they have a natural gas leak. Natural gas is odorless, so for safety purposes, an odorant called "mercaptan" is added to generate a smell similar to rotten eggs.
Customers who smell a natural gas odor should adhere to the following safety procedures: - Do not use any devices that might create a spark, such as light switches, phones, flashlights, or electric appliances, including computers. A spark could ignite the gas. - Immediately have everyone leave the house. - Go to a nearby phone and call the Virginia Natural Gas leak line to report the odor. - Keep everyone away from the building until given the "all clear" from a gas company employee.
