Atmos Energy Urges Customers to Prepare for Tropical Storm Francine

Atmos Energy is keeping a watchful eye on Tropical Storm Francine as it moves toward the U.S. Gulf Coast, bringing with it substantial rain, damaging winds, and the potential for flash flooding. The company is urging customers to be aware of natural gas safety measures that will keep homes, businesses and families prepared for any type of severe weather.

 "We are monitoring the storm, and our crews are preparing for the possibility of a hurricane," said Bobby Morgan, Atmos Energy vice president of public affairs. "Recent years have shown that hurricanes of any size can pose a threat to life and property, so we want everyone to remember that the best time to plan is now – before a storm arrives."

 As a reminder, after any severe weather event, please do not use natural gas equipment if it is flooded or damaged without first contacting a qualified service professional to have it inspected.

 Atmos Energy's highly trained service technicians are emergency responders who maintain the safe operation of our natural gas system. If any customer experiences an interruption in service, our skilled technicians will restore service after local conditions are deemed safe. Whether it is a hurricane, flooding, or other severe weather event, please observe these important safety tips:

•  If flooding occurs and gas appliances are underwater, do not try to operate the appliances. Instead, contact Atmos Energy or a qualified service professional to conduct a safety inspection.
• During a natural disaster or severe weather event, DO NOT turn off natural gas at the meter even if evacuations are issued.
• NEVER try to find the source of a gas leak. DO NOT use a mobile phone or anything that might cause a spark, such as a generator.
• If a natural gas meter is damaged or a gas line is exposed, immediately leave the area, and call the Atmos Energy 24-hour emergency response line at 866.322.8667.
• Know where your natural gas meter is located. Make sure it's visible and free of trash and debris. Mechanical equipment used to clean up after a storm may damage the meter if it is hidden.
• Natural gas distribution pipelines are mostly underground but can be damaged by uprooted trees and shifted foundations. After a storm, call 811 to have the location of underground utility lines marked, as gas service lines could become tangled.
• Atmos Energy customers experiencing a natural gas outage or service interruption should contact the company's customer service number at 888.286.6700. Service will be restored as quickly as possible once the area is deemed safe, and more information about this process is available on our Service Restoration page.

 If you think you smell gas, immediately leave the affected area, and from a safe distance call 911 or Atmos Energy's 24-hour emergency response line at 866.322.8667. For more severe weather safety information, please visit atmosenergy.com/weathersafety.