Chattanooga Gas helps customers prepare for another winter storm with safety and energy‑efficiency tips

Chattanooga, TN – Jan. 30, 2026 – Chattanooga Gas is closely monitoring forecasts calling for a potential winter storm across the region, and crews are prepared to respond as needed. With inclement weather moving toward the Tennessee Valley, Chattanooga Gas reminds customers that heavy snow or ice accumulation can weigh down tree limbs, causing them to fall and potentially damage natural gas meters or expose gas lines.

If you see a damaged meter or exposed gas line, leave the area immediately and call 911 or Chattanooga Gas' 24-hour emergency response line at 1-866-643-4170 from a safe location.

To help customers stay safe and warm during winter weather, Chattanooga Gas offers the following natural gas safety tips:

• Ovens and Stoves: If you have a power outage, avoid using your gas stove or oven to heat your home. Dangerous fumes can accumulate. If using a gas fireplace, ensure it is working properly and that the flue or damper is open.
• Smoke and CO Detectors: Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries annually and use the test function frequently. Most detectors need replacement after 10 years.
• Keep Meters Clear: Ensure that natural gas meters are free from snow, ice and debris. Exercise extreme caution when removing snow or ice. Use your hands or a broom to gently move snow away from the meter.
• Avoid Impact: To prevent damage, do not use shovels or snowblowers to remove snow or ice from your gas meter. Never kick or hit your gas meter or its piping with a hammer or any hard object to break away the built-up snow or ice. This can cause damage and create safety hazards.
• Avoid Accumulation: Never shovel snow up against your meter or vent or let excessive snow cover it. Remove hanging icicles to prevent dripping water from refreezing on your meter or vent.
  
• Removing Trees: Weather conditions can uproot trees. Uprooted 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 utilities marked. Always watch for and avoid fallen or concealed power lines.
• Gas-fueled Generators: Keep gas-fueled generators outside in a vented space. Never run generators in a garage, carport, basement, crawl space or other enclosed or partially enclosed area even with ventilation.
• Detecting Gas Leaks: 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 and do not turn light switches on or off, operate any appliance or do anything that might cause a spark, such as lighting a match. Immediately leave the area and call 911 or Chattanooga Gas' 24-hour emergency response line at 1-866-643-4170 from a safe location.

For additional safety tips, visit Chattanooga Gas' website at chattanoogagas.com and click the Safety tab.

To find tips for saving money on your energy bill and keeping your home comfortable during cold weather, visit https://www.chattanoogagas.com/residential/ways-to-save.html.

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About Chattanooga Gas
Chattanooga Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Chattanooga Gas provides retail natural gas sales and transportation services to approximately 72,000 customers in Hamilton and Bradley counties in southeast Tennessee. The Chattanooga Gas service area includes the communities of Chattanooga, Cleveland, Red Bank, East Ridge, Lookout Mountain and Signal Mountain. For more information, visit chattanoogagas.com.

Media Contact:
DeAllous Smith
(404) 922-6886
dealsmit@southernco.com