ATLANTA — National weather officials have announced a busy and active 2024 Atlantic hurricane season ahead. The season officially started on Saturday.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts 17 to 25 named storms when the average number is 14.
Although the season has been roughly quiet for the weekend, Atlanta Gas Light wants to encourage residents who have natural gas to stay prepared.
Here's what the company recommends residents should do:
- After a storm, residents should make sure their gas meter is not damaged. If it is or if the gas line is exposed, leave the area and call 911 or the Atlanta Gas Light 24-hour emergency response line at 1-877-427-4321.
- Never attempt to turn your gas supply off at the meter; let an Atlanta Gas Light professional turn the valve on and off.
- To prevent damage, you can contact Georgia 811 to request that the underground utility lines be marked so that crews know where they are in case tree roots become tangled with them.
- To detect a gas leak, you could smell a distinctive "rotten egg" odor; if so, leave the area immediately. You can also look for discolored vegetation or bubbling in standing water.
- Officials ask that residents never try to identify the source of the leak or stop it on their own.
- Residents should also avoid using any sources of ignition, including cell phones, cigarettes and more.
- Residents should also practice natural gas home generator safety by never using it in an enclosed area, never plugging into a wall outlet, and never plugging appliances directly into the generator.
For more information on natural gas safety, residents should click here.
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