Virginia Natural Gas shares safety tips to help customers prepare for severe weather

Prioritizing safety and readiness with key guidelines for severe weather

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – June 1, 2026 – As the Atlantic hurricane season begins, Virginia Natural Gas (VNG) urges customers to prepare for the months ahead. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts a below-normal 2026 hurricane season, with a 55% chance of below-normal activity. Forecasters predict 8 to 14 named storms, including 3 to 6 hurricanes and 1 to 3 major hurricanes.

Regardless of the forecast, it only takes one storm to impact our region. VNG encourages customers to take the following steps to stay safe and prepared:

Meter Safety

• Do not turn off your natural gas supply at the main meter. Only VNG or emergency personnel should do so. 
• Keeping meters on helps maintain proper pressure and prevents water from entering gas lines during flooding.
• Ensure your meter is visible and clear of debris. Report any damage to VNG’s 24-hour emergency line at 1-877-572-3342 or call 911.

Appliance Safety

• Leave natural gas equipment operating during storms. Most modern appliances include safety valves that shut off automatically if needed. 
• Do not use appliances that have been underwater until they have been inspected by a qualified professional.

Damage Prevention

• Contact VA811 before removing downed trees or debris to avoid damaging underground lines.
• Report damaged meters or exposed natural gas lines immediately to 1-877-572-3342. 

Detecting Gas Leaks

• If you smell the distinctive “rotten egg” odor of natural gas, leave the area immediately and call 911 and 1-877-572-3342.
• Avoid anything that could create a spark, including using cell phones or flipping light switches. 

Generator Safety

• Operate generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas only.
• Avoid back feeding by plugging appliances directly into the generator.
• Before purchasing a natural gas generator, contact VNG to ensure your service line and meter can support the additional demand. 

Personal Safety

• Prepare an emergency kit with essential supplies, including medications, important documents, food, water and batteries.
• Follow posted road signs and use caution when driving near work crews after a storm.
• Know your flood zone and potential risks. Visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center for details.

For more hurricane preparedness tips, visit Ready.gov. Stay connected with VNG for updates and learn more about natural gas safety at virginianaturalgas.com/safety.

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About Virginia Natural Gas 
Virginia Natural Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies under Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Serving more than 310,000 customers in southeast Virginia, the company celebrated its 175th anniversary in 2025. Ranked as a Most Trusted Utility Brand by Escalent, Virginia Natural Gas is committed to resilient and sustainable fuel solutions that meet the growing needs of customers, communities and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

For more information, visit virginianaturalgas.com and connect with the company on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.

About Southern Company Gas 
Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE: SO), one of America’s premier energy companies. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.4 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states and more than 600,000 retail customers through its natural gas marketing businesses. The company also invests in interstate pipelines, provides asset management for natural gas wholesale customers, and owns and operates natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com.

Media Contact: 
Morgan Chase 
Office: 757-616-7510 | Cell: 757-725-6916
mchase@southernco.com | https://www.virginianaturalgas.com/news/press-releases.html