Business & Finance
Mon, August 27, 2012 
TAMPA, Fla.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--As TECO Peoples Gas officials continue to track Tropical Storm Isaac, the company is prepared for any natural gas emergencies created by the storm or its aftermath.
Natural gas lines are buried underground and usually do not incur damage from high winds.
Peoples Gas advises customers to leave their natural gas service on, even in the event of an evacuation. Customers should not attempt to turn gas off at their meters.
Customers who suspect their natural gas appliances have been flooded or damaged due to the storm should have the equipment inspected and serviced by a qualified plumber or appliance service contractor.
Here are a few reminders to ensure your safety with natural gas appliances during a storm:
- If you evacuate your home or business, DO NOT turn off your gas supply at the main meter. Only emergency or utility personnel should turn the valve on or off.
- You CAN turn off the gas for individual appliances at the appliance valve near each unit, if you choose to do so. Most codes now require an appliance valve within six feet of each appliance.
- During and after severe storms, Peoples Gas crews are available to respond to natural gas emergencies.
If at any time residents smell a rotten egg or sulfur-like odor, there could be a natural gas leak. Residents should leave the premises immediately and then call the Peoples Gas 24-hour Emergency Gas Leak number: 1-877-832-6747, select option 1. For more information visit [ www.peoplesgas.com ].
[ Peoples Gas System ], Floridaas largest natural gas distribution company, is one of the four core businesses of [ TECO Energy, Inc. ] (NYSE: TE), an energy-related holding company with regulated electric and gas utility operations in Florida through [ Tampa Electric ] and [ Peoples Gas System ]. Peoples Gas serves approximately 336,000 customers in most of Floridaas major metropolitan areas and beyond. Other TECO Energy subsidiaries include TECO Coal, which owns and operates coal production facilities in Kentucky and Virginia, and TECO Guatemala, which is engaged in electric power generation and energy-related businesses in Guatemala.
