Severe weather can strike at any time. High winds, heavy rain and hurricanes are a part of life here in Texas. While powerful weather systems can cause destruction, there are steps you can take that may lessen the impact.
Here are some simple steps you can take to help keep your home and yourself safe before, during and after a storm.
How to Prepare for a Storm
- Make sure your emergency kit is easy to access. Don’t have an emergency kit? The Red Cross provides a comprehensive list of supplies you may need in the event of an emergency or disaster.
- Check around your natural gas meter. Remove anything that could be pushed into your meter by strong winds or by heavy rain and flooding.
- Remove dead or rotting trees, overhead branches and objects that could fall onto and damage your meter.
- Never tie things to your meter. Find a safe place to secure items like outdoor furniture or bring them inside altogether.
How to Stay Safe During a Storm
- Stay inside and keep away from windows or doors. If the storm carries high winds, head to a low-level interior room or basement.
- Listen and watch for weather updates from local officials. Accurate forecasts and advisories are the best way to stay informed.
- Keep your emergency kit of supplies handy.
How to Stay Safe After a Storm
- If you smell natural gas, usually described as a “rotten egg” odor, safely leave the area immediately. Then call 911 and us at 800-959-5325.
- Take note of the location and state of your natural gas meter. Watch out for fallen branches or other dangerous debris, and be careful when clearing the area. Contact us if you spot any damage.
- If your natural gas meter was turned off or if your service was interrupted during a storm, do not attempt to turn on your meter. Instead, contact us at 800-700-2443. We’ll send a licensed Texas Gas Service technician out to have your natural gas service restored.
- If you plan to remove damaged trees or bushes from the ground, call 811 before you dig. Operator crews will come to your home and locate underground natural gas pipelines and other utilities.
