Severe Weather Safety
Piedmont Natural Gas Severe Weather Safety Information
View a printable version of this information.We are closely monitoring for damage caused by Hurricane Helene. The storm has affected natural gas service for a limited number of customers in western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina. If your service has been impacted, we are providing updates via your preferred communication channel. We will continue to update you as work progresses.
Crews are canvassing neighborhoods in storm-impacted areas to inspect natural gas meters for signs of submersion from flooding. Technicians will remove any meter believed to have been submerged and turn off natural gas service to the home or business. We will notify customers whose natural gas service is turned off.
Natural gas appliances in a home or business where service has been turned off must be inspected for safe operation by a licensed contractor before service can be restored. Appliances may need to be replaced if an inspection finds they have been damaged by flood waters and cannot operate safely.
If you’re experiencing a natural gas outage, call us at 800.752.7504. If you suspect a natural gas leak or are experiencing a natural gas emergency, leave the area immediately and call 911 or Piedmont at 800.752.7504 from a safe location away from the smell of natural gas.
To help ensure the continued safe and reliable operation of natural gas service, please follow these guidelines:
-
If you see or suspect damage to natural gas lines or facilities due to uprooted trees or wind-related damage, call Piedmont Natural Gas at 800.752.7504 or call 911.
-
Call 811 to have your natural gas lines located and marked (for free) before you remove uprooted trees, rebuild storm-damaged structures or dig anywhere on your property.
-
- Do not attempt to disconnect or work on or around your natural gas meter
- Do not attempt to relight any of your natural gas appliances. Call Piedmont at 800.752.7504 so we can inspect your meter and your natural gas appliances for possible damage
- Do not attempt to clear flood debris from your natural gas meter or from any other natural gas appliance, including your water heater. Call Piedmont for an assessment
- Never use outdoor equipment indoors for cooking or heating. This includes natural gas grills, generators, etc.
- Do not attempt to disconnect or work on or around your natural gas meter
-
- Natural gas appliances damaged by water may need to be replaced according to manufacturer guidelines and instructions
- When choosing a contractor for repair or replacement of your natural gas appliances, make sure the contractor is licensed, committed to safety and follows all manufacturer safety guidelines
- You can choose to work with Piedmont Natural Gas, one of our approved Gas Advantage Dealers, or any other licensed contractor to repair or replace damaged appliances
- View a list of Piedmont's Gas Advantage Dealers
- Note that unauthorized repairs can be unsafe and may void your warranty according to manufacturer guidelines
- Call your appliance manufacturer if you are unsure that the work being performed is an approved repair
- Natural gas appliances damaged by water may need to be replaced according to manufacturer guidelines and instructions
-
- Leave the premises immediately
- Call Piedmont Natural Gas at 800.752.7504 or dial 911
- Call from a neighbor’s house or from another location far from the smell of natural gas
- DO NOT use anything electrical that may create a spark; this includes cell phones
- DO NOT operate any light switches
- DO NOT light a match
- DO NOT attempt to locate the source of the leak
- DO NOT attempt to stop the leak
- DO NOT return to the area until Piedmont Natural Gas or the emergency services have declared the area safe
- DO NOT attempt to operate pipeline valves yourself. You may inadvertently cause more danger or additional damage
- DO NOT attempt to extinguish a natural gas fire