Prepare for Flooding This Hurricane Season
Flooding already hit parts of Georgia hard this 2024 hurricane season. Fortunately, major issues affecting Georgia gas haven’t come up. However, according to the Nation Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there is a 90% chance this hurricane season will be more active than normal. In Georgia, that means strong storms and flooding. But how can flooding affect your natural gas supply in Georgia? Let’s find out.
How Hurricanes Hit Your Natural Gas Supply
You don’t need to be in the eye of the storm for your natural gas supply to feel the effects. That’s because there are millions of miles of natural gas pipeline under our feet which Atlanta Gas Light and other utilities maintain. When severe flooding and storms occur, these pipes can be damaged.
A common problem with strong winds and rain soaked ground is falling trees. These trees can either expose pipes are fall on and damage them. Large pipelines can also be laid right beside a river because it’s easier to get through rough terrain. During extreme flooding, rivers can shift and expose the pipes. Finally, when you see heavy rains and floods, you can also see landslides. So, these events can easily uncover and damage pipes, sometimes causing dangerous leaks.
In addition to the danger of the leaking natural gas, this cuts a lot of people off from an important energy source. If a large pipe is damaged, it cut the amount of gas available to many households and businesses miles down the line. This can increase Georgia gas prices in those areas the pipeline serve.
How Can Your Protect Your Natural Gas Supply?
There’s not much you can or should do with your residential natural gas supply when you are preparing for a storm. In fact, natural gas suppliers recommend against shutting off your natural gas supply at the meter. This is because it can have a negative affect on pressure in the pipe network elsewhere. However, there a are few things you can keep in mind after you have flooding in your area:
- Call your utility if you smell natural gas at your home.
- Check your appliances for damage.
- Don’t turn on any natural gas appliance before you have a professional inspection.
- Clear debris from chimneys, flues, and vents.
- If you have major damage anywhere on your property, like fallen trees, check for damaged or exposed pipes.
Most importantly, remember that your safety should be the first priority! As we head into peak hurricane season, visit Georgia Gas Savings for more natural gas safety tips and information. While you’re there, it’s a perfect time to compare natural gas rates and get a great deal. Check us out today at https://www.georgiagassavings.com.