If you smell natural gas or suspect a gas leak, move to safety.
Call 911 then call us at (877) 832-6747.
Weathering the Storm with Natural Gas
At Peoples Gas, we love living and working here like most Floridians do. We also know it's important to be prepared for the severe weather that often affects the state. Our team works year-round to be sure we're ready. We're committed to the safety of our pipelines, our people, and our communities. We encourage you to be prepared, too, and learn more about being safe before, during and after a major storm.
Visit PeoplesGas.com/StormNotifications and follow Peoples Gas on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) for additional important information and updates.
Download our Quick Storm Reference Guide to help prepare. Want even more hurricane preparedness tips? Peoples Gas is a proud partner of the American Red Cross. Learn more ways to keep your home and family safe during a hurricane.
Storm Safety
Before the Storm
The best way to prepare? Start early! Download our Quick Storm Reference Guide to help you stay ready for hurricane season. You may not have much warning. The better you plan, the better off you and your family will be when a storm hits.
Authorities may issue evacuation or shelter notices 48-72 hours before possible storm impact. Get ready now so you'll be confident and prepared.
Have you built a hurricane preparedness kit?
- Pack a "Go-Bag" now.
- Review your emergency plans, communication plans and meeting place after a disaster, and then practice just like you would a fire drill.
- Make plans for pets – they are extremely vulnerable and not allowed at most shelters.
- Fill your gas tank.
- Register your Peoples Gas or other monthly accounts online and set notification preferences.
- Monitor radio stations, TV and weather alert radio for storm updates.
- Before evacuating, review the evacuation route information on the Florida Division of Emergency Management website. Roads may be closed to facilitate better traffic flow.
Did you know Peoples Gas plans for hurricane season 365 days a year? Our teams work on infrastructure, emergency response plans and mock drills so we are ready to provide reliable and safe service to our customers no matter the weather.
During the Storm
If authorities evacuate your area, assume your safety is at extreme risk.
Double check your "Before the Storm" list and leave as soon as possible. If it is recommended and safe for you to stay in your home, be sure to:
- Follow all guidelines for safe portable generator use. Only run a generator in a well-ventilated area.
- Use a NOAA weather alert radio to stay informed.
- Leave your natural gas meter on to help maintain proper pressure in the gas piping within your home or business. Doing so can prevent water from entering the lines should flooding occur. Most natural gas appliances have safety valves that will shut off the flow of natural gas automatically if the pilot light goes out.
- If you smell gas, move to a safe location and call 911. Then call us at 877-832-6747.
- Contact a licensed plumber or qualified appliance service contractor if you have questions or difficulties relighting pilot lights. Visit Appliance Sales and Service for more information about contractors and technicians in your area.
After the Storm
Operating Your Natural Gas Appliance After the Storm
- Natural gas service will likely be uninterrupted throughout the storm.
- Most natural gas appliances have safety valves that will shut off the flow of natural gas automatically if the pilot light goes out.
- You may be able to light the burner surface of a gas stove manually. Customers should always consult the appliance operating manual prior to lighting burners manually.
- Customers who suspect their natural gas appliances have been flooded or damaged due to the storm should have the equipment inspected and serviced by a qualified plumber or appliance-service contractor before attempting to operate.
- If the smell of rotten egg or sulfur-like odor is detected, there could be damage to a natural gas line or a natural gas leak. Immediately move to safety and call 911.
Clearing trees and debris? Stay safe and call 811.
Your yard may be damaged from fallen trees. After the storm, remember to call 811 and have underground utilities marked for free before digging up tree roots. They're often growing near natural gas pipes or other buried utility lines. Calling two business days before digging gives utilities time to mark your yard with flags or paint, making it easier for you to dig safely.
Our Restoration Process
While natural gas outages are rare, they can occur if the system is damaged during a storm. When safe to do so, we work diligently to quickly and safely restore service. We follow a protocol to get the largest number of customers back in service in the shortest period of time, and work from there to restore service to every customer. For safety reasons during restoration, a gas technician may need to access the appliances in your home or business. Always ask to see an ID before allowing entry. All Peoples Gas team members, including our contractors, carry a photo ID, so you can be sure they’re part of our team.
Watch this video to learn more about our restoration process.
