NEW JERSEY NATURAL GAS ENCOURAGES CUSTOMERS TO BE PREPARED FOR HURRICANE SANDY

Wall, NJ – New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG) reminds customers to stay safe during hazardous weather conditions. Current forecasts predict Hurricane Sandy will bring tropical storm force winds to New Jersey on Monday and Tuesday, with the potential for flooding and power outages. NJNG crews are on standby to respond to any natural gas emergencies.

NJNG advises customers to leave their natural gas service on, even in the event of an evacuation.  Customers should not attempt to turn natural gas service off at their meters. Natural gas is distributed through underground pipelines, so natural gas service should operate uninterrupted during the storm. After severe weather, if there is a problem with your natural gas service, immediately report it by calling NJNG’s 24-hour emergency response line at 800-GAS-LEAK (427-5325).

“The safety of our customers is our main priority. We regularly inspect and maintain our system to ensure its reliability and safety,” said Kathleen T. Ellis, executive vice president and chief operating officer of New Jersey Natural Gas. The safest action customers can take is to follow all guidelines from state and local emergency management officials.  “While we do not anticipate service interruptions, our crews are ready to handle any situations that may arise as a result of Hurricane Sandy.”

• If you smell natural gas, leave the premises immediately and call 800-GAS-LEAK (800-427-5325) from a safe location.  DO NOT use a lighter, telephone, switch on/off appliances, lights or even a flashlight on the premises where you smell natural gas as they can create a spark.

A natural gas leak can be detected by the smell, sight or sound.

SMELL – Since natural gas is colorless and has no scent, a strong odorant is added that smells like rotten eggs to help you detect possible leaks.
SIGHT – Look for dirt blowing in the air, bubbles in standing water or discolored or dead vegetation around the pipeline area.
SOUND – Listen for an unusual noise like roaring, hissing or whistling.

• DO NOT attempt to turn off your natural gas at the meter. The valve should be turned on or off by emergency utility personnel only. 
• DO NOT extinguish or re-ignite a pilot light on your appliances. In the event a pilot light goes out, call a qualified plumber, contractor or NJNG for a safety inspection.
• Should water get into your heating system and/or water heater due to flooding, or if your natural gas meter is damaged by fallen debris or under water, call our 24-hour response line at 800-GAS-LEAK (427-5325).
• In the event of an evacuation, follow the emergency management’s official instructions. DO NOT turn off the natural gas service to your home or business. NJNG will work closely with emergency management officials to address any situation regarding natural gas service. If your meter has been turned off by an NJNG technician or your service interrupted during the storm, please call NJNG to reconnect your service. Do not try to turn it back on. Only a licensed service technician may perform the task.

“We want our customers to remain safe during the impending storm and encourage them to take the necessary natural gas safety precautions and heed the advice of local and state emergency personnel,” stressed Ellis.
 
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