NEW JERSEY NATURAL GAS RESPONDS TO DAMAGE FROM HURRICANE SANDY

Wall, NJ -- New Jersey Natural Gas (NJNG) crews are working around the clock to respond to emergency calls resulting from hurricane damage throughout Monmouth, Ocean and Morris counties.

Flooding has prevented crews from accessing some coastal areas of NJNG's service territory. As waters recede, NJNG expects to be able to reach more homes and businesses.

NJNG advises customers to leave on their natural gas service if they evacuate.   Customers should not attempt to turn natural gas service off at their meters.

Please report natural gas emergencies only by calling NJNG's 24-hour emergency response line at 800-GAS-LEAK (427-5325).

** NJNG essential employees only should report to work on Wednesday, October 31. All other employees should stay home.

Customers should also be reminded of the following important safety information:

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.

For the latest information throughout the storm, relative to NJNG service, follow us at Facebook/NewJerseyNaturalGas.

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