The 2008 hurricane season is right around the corner and Virginia Natural Gas reminds customers now is the time to prepare and take advantage of tax incentives. 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 Robert Duvall, vice president, Virginia Natural 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, Virginia Natural Gas offers these hurricane safety tips:

  Hurricane preparation:

  -- Virginia Natural 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.
  -- 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 Duvall.

Virginia residents who purchase hurricane and emergency supplies this week will get a bonus of a sales tax holiday. The seven day period which began Sunday and ends Saturday, May 31, allows exemptions of sales tax on purchases of certain supplies and equipment needed for hurricane season. Customers looking for a list of those items can visit www.tax.virginia.gov .

About Virginia Natural Gas

Virginia Natural Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of AGL Resources , provides retail natural gas sales and distribution services to 264,000 customers in southeast Virginia. For more information, visit www.virginianaturalgas.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