Natural Gas Leaks, Odors or Emergencies

Atlanta Gas Light urges ‘leave gas on’ when evacuating a flooded area

September 22, 2009

ATLANTA – September 22, 2009 – Due to severe flooding caused by the recent rains, Atlanta Gas Light is asking residents to leave their gas on as a safety precaution if they are forced to evacuate their residence.  A gas company employee, qualified plumber or HVAC contractor should be the only individuals turning natural gas on or off.
 
“The safety of our customers, employees and the general public is our top value,” said Suzanne Sitherwood, president, Atlanta Gas Light. “Atlanta Gas Light emergency response crews will make every attempt to respond in as timely a manner as possible given the road conditions.”
 
Anyone returning home after the flood waters have subsided and who suspects their natural gas appliances have been flooded or damaged should have the equipment inspected and serviced by a qualified gas contractor or a Natural Gas Advantage dealer. To find a Natural Gas Advantage dealer in your area, visit www.atlantagaslight.com.
 
Residents should also call the Atlanta Gas Light hotline at 1-877-427-4321 if they believe they have a natural gas leak. Natural gas is odorless, so for safety purposes, an odorant called “mercaptan” is added to generate a smell similar to rotten eggs.
 
Customers who smell a natural gas odor should adhere to the following safety procedures:

  • Do not use any devices that might create a spark, such as light switches, phones, flashlights, or electric appliances, including computers. A spark could ignite the gas.
  • Immediately have everyone leave the house.
  • Go to a nearby phone and call the Atlanta Gas Light hotline to report the odor.
  • Keep everyone away from the building until given the “all clear” from a gas company employee.


About Atlanta Gas Light

Atlanta Gas Light, a wholly owned subsidiary of AGL Resources (NYSE: AGL), provides natural gas delivery service to more than 1.5 million customers in Georgia. In operation since 1856, the company is one of the oldest corporations in the state. For more information, visit www.atlantagaslight.com
 

About AGL Resources

AGL Resources (NYSE: AGL), an Atlanta-based energy services company, serves approximately 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 current 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
 
Contact:           Media 
                        Tami Gerke     
                        Office: 404-584-3873
                        Cell:     404-558-2307 
                        Media line: 1-866-757-6646 
                        tgerke@aglresources.com