Hurricane Information
During
a hurricane, natural gas appliances shouldn't require anything.
Natural gas lines are underground, so there is no need to
take any special precautions. In addition, South Coast Gas
monitors our natural gas system and will shut off the gas
if it becomes necessary. In cases of severe lightning, consider
unplugging any natural gas appliances to avoid electrical
damage.
If
evacuation is necessary, don't worry about natural gas appliances.
When evacuating, it is not necessary to stop natural gas service
to indoor appliances before leaving. Simply turn the thermostat
to the off position before going. For outdoor appliances,
consider turning the shut-off valve to the off position while
away. If a falling tree or other flying debris should strike
the appliance, this could prevent the possibility of a natural
gas leak from a damaged appliance.
When
returning from evacuation, check natural gas appliances first.
Check around the house and appliances for the smell of natural
gas first. This should be done before attempting to turn on
or operate any type of switch or appliance. Natural gas has
a very distinctive tart, sulfur odor. If a light smell of
natural gas is detected, open windows and doors to ventilate
the house and then use a neighbor's phone to call South Coast
Gas and report this immediately. If the smell is very strong
or overwhelming when entering the building, leave immediately
and call South Coast Gas. If there is neither a smell of natural
gas nor a suspicion of a leak, operation of natural gas appliances
should be safe. However, if there are concerns regarding these
appliances contact South Coast Gas to make sure that there
were no problems while you were away.
If
the electricity is out, many natural gas appliances will still
operate. Most natural gas cooking, lighting and water
heating appliances will continue to operate safely without
the use of electricity.
Natural
Gas Power Generators will return electricity to the
structure within 30 seconds and continue providing electricity
until the original power source has returned. After a power
outage, if the generator was in use for several days, the
oil should be checked and if necessary, changed. Maintenance
of the generator consists only of a yearly oil change. In
preparation for Hurricane season, it is not necessary to check
the operation of the natural gas power generator because it
runs a 15-minute self-test each week.
Natural
Gas Interior and Exterior Lights will operate
safely without the use of electricity. However, it
may require you to light the pilot manually (if they have
an electronic ignition device that lights the pilot.) In such
cases, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions
for manually lighting the pilot lights.
Natural
Gas Cooktops and Ranges will operate safely without the use
of electricity. However, it may require you to light
them manually (if they have an electronic ignition device.)
In such cases, it is important to follow the manufacturer's
instructions for manually lighting the appliance.
Natural
Gas Water Heaters will operate safely without the use of electricity.
However, it may require you to light the pilot manually (if
it has an electronic ignition device that lights the pilot.)
In such cases, it is important to follow the manufacturer's
instructions for manually lighting the pilot on the water
heater.
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