The 2008 hurricane season is right around the corner and Florida City Gas 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 and general manager, Florida City Gas. "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, Florida City Gas offers these hurricane safety tips:

  Hurricane preparation:

  -- Florida City Gas 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. In the event of a natural gas emergency or leak,
     customers should call 1-888-352-5325.
  -- 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

In 2007, Florida passed a new state law requiring gas stations located along evacuation routes in the Sunshine State to have backup power to pump fuel so residents can flee natural disasters before they occur and return after they pass.

The law, which could be adopted by other states, also ensures that first responders, such as police officers, fire departments and power company crews who work through disasters, can get the gasoline they need to do their jobs. Many individual residences have also opted to install automatic natural gas generators.

"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.

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.

About Florida City Gas

Florida City Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of AGL Resources , serves approximately 104,000 residential and commercial natural gas customers in Florida's Miami-Dade, Brevard, St. Lucie, and Indian River counties. For more information, visit www.floridacitygas.com

About AGL Resources

AGL Resources , an Atlanta-based energy services company, serves more than 2.3 million customers in six states. The company also owns Houston-based Sequent Energy Management, an asset manager serving natural gas wholesale customers throughout North America. As a 70 percent owner in the SouthStar partnership, AGL Resources markets natural gas to consumers in Georgia under the Georgia Natural Gas brand. The company also owns and operates Jefferson Island Storage & Hub, a high-deliverability natural gas storage facility near the Henry Hub in Louisiana. For more information, visit www.aglresources.com .

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SOURCE: AGL Resources