June marks the start of hurricane season. Hurricanes can be unpredictable and cause damage to homes and businesses. Taking steps to protect your natural gas meter is often an afterthought, but it’s important to keep in mind for the safety of yourself and your community, especially during hurricane season.  

Before the Storm

• Check around your natural gas meter and remove any objects that could be blown into the meter by strong winds or pushed into the meter by heavy rain and flooding. 
• Remove any branches or other objects above the meter that could fall onto and damage the meter. 
• Don't turn off your meter, set anything on or attach anything to or cover your meter. 

After the Storm

• If you smell natural gas, usually described as a “rotten egg” odor, leave the area immediately, then call 911 and Texas Gas Service at 800-959-5325. Be sure not to operate any electrical appliances, including light switches. 
• If you don’t smell natural gas, still do a maintenance check around your home by checking all gas appliances for damage and chimneys and flues for any fallen objects. 
• If you need to remove any fallen tree limbs or uncovered debris, contact 811 to locate underground natural gas pipelines and other buried facilities if this requires digging. 
• If your natural gas meter was turned off or your service was interrupted during the storm, call the Texas Gas Service customer service line at 800-700-2443 to restore your service. DO NOT attempt to turn your natural gas meter back on.

For year-round safety tips, visit texasgasservice.com/safety.