HURRICANE ALERT: Chattanooga Gas Urges Customers To Leave Gas On and Follow Emergency Guidelines

September 15, 2004

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - September 15, 2004 – Chattanooga Gas is tracking Hurricane Ivan as it approaches the Chattanooga area and preparing for any natural gas emergencies created by the storm or its aftermath. Should this storm hit in the area, Chattanooga Gas advises its customers to leave their natural gas service on, even in the event of an evacuation. Customers should not attempt to turn gas off at their meters.

“Our crews are standing by to handle any emergencies created by Ivan,” stated Chattanooga Gas vice president Steve Lindsey. “The safest action for our customers is to follow emergency guidelines issued by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (www.tnema.org). If an evacuation is ordered or if residents decide to leave on their own, they should leave the gas on at the meter. Only qualified Chattanooga Gas technicians can safely turn gas service back on.”

There is the possibility that for safety reasons, Chattanooga Gas might need to turn off a customer’s service at the meter. If customers find their gas service has been shut off, they will need to call the Chattanooga Gas Customer Care Center telephone number (1-800-427-5463) to have their service restored.

If at any time residents smell rotten eggs or a sulfur-like smell, there could be a natural gas leak. Residents should leave the premises immediately and call Chattanooga Gas’ 24-hour Emergency Gas Leak number: 1-877-427-4321.

Customers who suspect their natural gas appliances have been flooded or damaged due to the storm must have the equipment inspected and serviced by a qualified gas contractor.

Numbers to call:

• No gas service 1-800-427-5463
• Smell of natural gas (rotten eggs/sulfur) 1-877-427-4321