Virginia Natural Gas urges customers to begin storm season readiness during Hurricane Preparedness Week May 1-7

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – May 2, 2023 – Even though the official start of the 2023 Hurricane Season is still a month away, Virginia Natural Gas is urging customers to start storm preparations now during Hurricane Preparedness Week.

National Hurricane Preparedness Week is a week-long nationwide observation from May 1 to 7. Its purpose is to get area residents prepared in case a hurricane strikes. While forecasting is not an exact science, it is important to keep in mind that just one storm could have a significant impact on homes, property and lives. 

Virginia Natural Gas is prepared to respond to any severe weather event to ensure homes and businesses continue to receive clean, safe, reliable, and affordable natural gas service,  and is providing customers with the following recommendations from the National Weather Service to prepare for any weather emergency:

• Create a disaster plan.

Everyone needs a written disaster plan. Your plan will answer questions about shelter, best evacuation routes, effective communication methods, etc. You can tailor your plan based on the specific needs of your household and have regular meetings to review the plan with your loved ones. Observe Hurricane Preparedness Week by making sure you and your loved ones know, understand, and remember your hurricane emergency plan.

• Fortify your home.

Your home might be sturdy, but is it sturdy enough to handle a hurricane? Look up local hurricane building code specifications and make sure your home meets them. You can also check to see if your home insurance company covers flooding.

• Gather supplies.

You need to have enough supplies to make it through the hurricane period — before, during, and after a hurricane hits. From radios to flashlights and solar-powered chargers, you need to ensure you have everything you and your family need to survive a hurricane. You should also regularly restock on non-perishable food, water, batteries, and medicine to last for at least three days.

• Check your flood zone.

Flooding and storm surge are historically the leading cause of hurricane-related deaths in the United States. Know your flood zone and potential risk hazards in your area. Visit the Virginia Department of Emergency Management website and simply enter your address to “Know Your Zone.”

• Natural gas safety

In the event of severe weather, Virginia Natural Gas provides customers with the following recommended natural gas safety guidelines:

• DO NOT turn the natural gas off to your home or business, even if you are evacuated.
• If you smell natural gas, immediately leave the premises and call 911. Then call our 24-hour emergency response line, 877.572.3342 once you are in a safe location.
• After severe weather, if a natural gas meter is damaged by fallen debris, is under water, or you do not have gas service, immediately report it by calling 911. Then call our 24-hour emergency response line, 877.572.3342.

How to connect with us

During a storm, Virginia Natural Gas communicates information to customers through the news media, our website and on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Nextdoor.

For more information about natural gas safety, visit virginianaturalgas.com/safety.