Atlanta Gas Light Reminds Customers Now is the Time to Prepare for Hurricane Season
PRNewswire-FirstCall
ATLANTA
The 2008 hurricane season is right around the corner and Atlanta Gas Light reminds customers now is the time to prepare. Hurricane season officially begins on June 1st and runs through November 30th. "There is no substitute for being prepared when it comes to the safety of our customers and their families," said Jay Sutton, vice president, Atlanta Gas Light, Coastal region. "Our crews are prepared to handle any natural gas emergencies that may arise before, during and after a hurricane hits." In the case of a hurricane warning, Atlanta Gas Light offers these hurricane safety tips: Hurricane preparation: -- Atlanta Gas Light customers are advised to leave their natural gas service on, even in the event of an evacuation. Customers should not attempt to turn gas off at their meters. Most gas appliances have safety valves that shut off the flow of gas automatically if the pilot light goes out. -- Stay tuned to radio or TV for critical bulletins. -- Board up windows, garage and porch doors. Large windows should be braced inside and out. Taping windows will lessen the hazard of flying glass. -- Move valuables to upper floors if possible to avoid water damage. -- Bring in pets and loose objects such as toys, furniture, and trashcans. -- Fill containers with several days supply of drinking water (including sterilized bathtub). -- Turn up refrigerator to maximize cold and don't open unless necessary. -- Use phones only for emergencies. -- Stay indoors on the downwind side of the house with a door or window on that side of the house open. -- Leave mobile homes. -- Check supplies of gas and charcoal for cooking. -- If ordered to evacuate, quickly secure your home and leave immediately. Follow evacuation orders regardless of what the weather is at the time. It may be sunny and calm when the evacuation order comes, but this lead time is necessary to insure your safety. -- Emergency Car Kit should include: -- Battery powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries -- Blanket -- Booster cables -- Fire extinguisher (5lb A-B-C type) -- First aid kit and manual -- Bottled water and non-perishable high energy foods such as granola bars, raisins, and peanut butter. -- Secure pet carriers for cats and small dogs, sturdy leashes/harnesses for larger dogs, and appropriate crates or cages for other types of pets such as reptiles, birds, etc. Back-up generators Fueled continually by natural gas, generators are fully automatic. Within seconds of an outage, the unit comes on, supplies power, and switches off when power returns - without any help from the owner. Units are sound insulated and comply with emissions standards. More than two million U.S. businesses will experience power outages that last longer than eight hours, and cost more than $5,000 in lost revenue. "Gas stations, businesses, and individual residents have the option of utilizing a natural gas backup generator, ensuring on-demand, and dependable electricity during power outages," said Sutton. About Atlanta Gas Light Atlanta Gas Light, a wholly owned subsidiary of AGL Resources About AGL Resources AGL Resources First Call Analyst: SOURCE: AGL Resources CONTACT: Tami Gerke of AGL Resources, Office, +1-404-584-3873, or Cell, |