Virginia Natural Gas Urges Preparedness for the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season

Prioritizing Safety and Readiness with Key Guidelines for Severe Weather

Virginia Beach, VA. – June 6, 2025 – As the Atlantic hurricane season begins, Virginia Natural Gas (VNG) is urging customers to prepare for what is predicted to be an active season. NOAA forecasters predict a 60% chance of an above-normal season, with 13 to 19 named storms, including 6 to 10 hurricanes and 3 to 5 major hurricanes. Follow these tips to ensure your safety:

Meter Safety:

• DO NOT turn off your 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 fuel lines during flooding.
• Ensure your meter is visible and free of debris. Report any damage to VNG's 24-hour emergency line at 1-877-572-3342 or 911.

Appliance Safety:

• Leave natural gas equipment operational during storms. Most modern gas appliances have safety valves that shut off automatically.
• Do not operate appliances that have been under water until inspected by a professional.

Damage Prevention:

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

Detecting Gas Leaks:

• If you smell the “rotten-egg” odor of natural gas, leave the area immediately and call 911 and 1-877-572-3342.
• Avoid actions that could cause sparks, such as using cell phones or light switches.

Generator Safety:

• Use generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas. Avoid backfeeding by plugging appliances directly into the generator.
• Consult VNG before purchasing a natural gas generator to ensure your service line and gas meter can handle the required load.

Personal Safety:

• Have an emergency preparedness kit with essential supplies, including medications, important documents, food, water, and batteries.
• Follow road signs and drive cautiously near work crews after a storm.
• Know your flood zone and risk hazards. Visit the FEMA flood map service for details.

For more hurricane preparedness tips, visit Ready.gov. Stay connected with VNG for updates and for more information about natural gas safety, visit 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 over 310,000 customers in southeast Virginia, Virginia Natural Gas was again named a Top Workplace in 2024. The company has earned recognition for its safety, reliability and customer focus among natural gas service providers, and was named 2024 LDC of the Year by the VA Dept of Energy and VA Oil & Gas Association. 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), America’s premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.2 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states and approximately 600,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines and ownership and operation of 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 | www.virginianaturalgas.com/news.html