Chattanooga Gas encourages customers to prepare for extreme winter weather

Company offers safety and energy efficiency tips ahead of the cold snap

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – January 12, 2024 – Chattanooga Gas is closely monitoring forecasts that call for a significant temperature drop in the coming days. Chattanooga Gas crews are ready to serve our customers and emphasize the importance of having a plan and making the necessary preparations for severe weather.

With the safety of the public, its employees and its pipelines at the forefront, Chattanooga Gas is sharing the following natural gas safety tips during extreme winter weather conditions:

Meter Safety

• Customers are encouraged to know the location of their gas meter.
• Following a weather emergency, ensure the gas meter is visible, and the area surrounding the meter is free of trash and debris. Mechanical equipment used during storm clean-up may damage the meter if it is hidden.
• Snow and ice may weigh down power lines and tree limbs, causing them to fall. If a natural gas meter is damaged or underground gas line is exposed, leave the area immediately and call the Chattanooga Gas 24-hour emergency response line, 1-866-643-4170, from a safe location.
• To ensure the safe, proper operation of natural gas appliances, such as a furnace and water heater, and to prevent a potentially hazardous buildup of carbon monoxide, customers are encouraged to ensure that outdoor vent openings and air intakes are not obstructed by snow or ice.
• If a natural gas meter is damaged or gas line is exposed, immediately leave the area and call the Chattanooga Gas 24-hour emergency response number at 1-866-643-4170.

Damage Prevention

• Weather conditions can cause trees to become uprooted. Downed trees could become tangled in underground utility lines. Before removing downed trees, customers are encouraged to call Tennessee 8-1-1 to have the location of underground utility lines marked.

Appliance Safety

• Customers are advised to leave their natural gas service on during a severe storm. Most gas appliances have safety valves that shut off the flow of gas automatically if the pilot light goes out.
• If flooding occurs at a residence or business and the gas appliances are under water, customers are advised not to operate their appliances until a safety inspection is conducted.

Natural Gas Generators

• During a power outage, natural gas generators provide continuous fuel supply from an existing natural gas line. While these units are available in a range of sizes to meet various energy needs, customers are encouraged to contact Chattanooga Gas to determine whether their service line meets load requirements for the generator’s safe and efficient operation.
• Keep natural gas generators outside in a vented space. Never run generators in a garage, carport, basement, crawlspace, or other enclosed or partially enclosed area, even with ventilation.

Detecting Gas Leaks

• If customers smell the rotten egg odor that is often associated with natural gas, they should immediately leave the affected area and call the 24-hour emergency response line at 1-866-643-41701 from a safe location.
• Residents should never try to identify the source of a leak themselves.
• If the odor of gas is present, do not use a telephone or cellular phone, turn light switches on or off, operate any appliance or do anything that might cause a spark, such as lighting a match.

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