Wind Damage / Power Outages
- Strong winds and saturated ground can cause trees to become uprooted. If your natural gas meter is damaged or an underground gas line is exposed, customers should immediately leave the area, and call the Southwestern VA Gas Company 24-hour emergency line at 276-632-5665 or Dial 911.
- Natural gas appliances with electronic ignition will not come on when electric service has been interrupted. However, many gas appliances such as water heaters, cook stoves, gas logs, and space heaters may be able to function in the event of a power outage. Be sure to review the owner's manual of your specific appliance for more information.
- Never use portable grills or back-up generators indoors.
Flooding
- If flooding causes your gas appliances to be underwater for any length of time, customers are advised not to operate their appliances until a safety inspection is conducted by a certified plumber or HVAC technician.
- To ensure safe, proper operation of natural gas appliances and to prevent the potentially hazardous buildup of carbon monoxide, ensure that outdoor vent openings and air intakes are not obstructed.
- If vent openings or air intakes to your natural gas appliances are underwater for any length of time, customers are advised not to operate those appliances until a safety inspection is conducted by a certified plumber or HVAC technician.
Restoration / Cleanup
- Before removing downed trees or performing any excavation, customers should contact VA811 to have the location of underground utility lines marked.
- If the gas service to your home or business was interrupted, do not attempt to restore service yourself. The valve on the upstream side of your gas meter is for company use only. Tampering with this valve may cause serious injury or death.
- Southwestern Virginia Gas Company technicians working in your neighborhood as part of a storm restoration operation will be dressed in their company uniform and driving clearly marked company vehicles. If your natural gas service was interrupted, it will be necessary for one of our technicians to perform a meter turn-on procedure and gain entry to your home or business to relight pilots as necessary. Our technicians do not collect fees from customers and will never ask you for money. To verify the identity of a technician requesting entry to your home please call our emergency line at 276-632-5665.
If you smell gas or suspect a problem with your meter or natural gas service line, call the Southwestern VA Gas Company 24-hour emergency line at 276-632-5665 or Dial 911.
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