Utility encourages Floridians to have a plan ready this hurricane season
Hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, and Peoples Gas works year-round to be ready. While underground natural gas infrastructure is typically resilient during severe weather, the company is prepared to respond if a major storm should impact the state.
Energy resilience has become increasingly important to Floridians, particularly during emergencies and severe weather. In 2024, Hurricanes Helene and Milton left more than 1.3 million and 3.3 million electric customers across the state without power, respectively. However, fewer than 1% of Peoples Gas’ over 500,000 customers experienced a natural gas service interruption. As electric utilities worked to restore electricity to their customers, the company’s gas distribution system provided fuel for vital emergency backup electric generation for homes, businesses, emergency shelters, and healthcare facilities.
Before a storm: Be prepared
As part of its preparedness plan, Peoples Gas employees actively participate in annual drills and exercises. The team works with suppliers to ensure adequate emergency response supplies are available statewide. And, the company makes investments in state-of-the-art technology to monitor the safety and status of the natural gas system, 24 hours a day.
Peoples Gas urges all of its natural gas customers to have a personal storm plan in place for their home or business. Now – ahead of what is predicted to be an active storm season – is the time for Floridians to assemble storm kits and review important paperwork.
Visit PeoplesGas.com/StormSafety and follow Peoples Gas on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) for tips, restoration information and additional guidance.
During a storm: Leave gas service on
Natural gas service will likely operate uninterrupted throughout the storm. Customers should leave their natural gas service on, even in the event of an evacuation. Leaving natural gas meters on helps to maintain proper pressure in the gas piping within homes or businesses, and can prevent water from entering the lines should flooding occur.
Customers may choose to turn off gas to individual appliances at the supply valve near each unit. Most natural gas appliances have safety valves that will shut off the flow of natural gas automatically if the pilot light goes out. The valve at the main meter should be turned on or off only by qualified Peoples Gas representatives or emergency personnel.
If at any time you smell a rotten egg or sulfur-like odor, there could be damage to a natural gas line or a natural gas leak. Immediately leave the area and call 911, then call Peoples Gas at 877-832-6747. Emergency calls are answered 24/7/365. Please note that Peoples Gas employees will be dispatched when sustained wind speeds are below 40 mph.
Other helpful tips:
- Before evacuating, please first review the evacuation route information on the Florida Division of Emergency Management website. Roads may be closed to facilitate better traffic flow.
- Make plans for pets as they are extremely vulnerable and are not allowed at most shelters.
- Have a functioning battery-powered radio to monitor emergency information.
- Remember to use portable generators safely. Portable generators must not be taken into homes or any enclosed space (like a garage) where deadly carbon monoxide gases could build up. Plug appliances directly into the generator. DO NOT connect portable generators into a home’s circuits. Connecting a generator to the circuits may cause power to flow to outside lines, posing life-threatening danger to restoration crews.
After a storm
After severe weather, it is common for property to sustain damage from fallen trees. Residents and business owners are reminded to call 811 to have underground utilities marked for free before digging up tree roots or making repairs. Calling 811 two business days before digging gives utilities enough time to mark the area with flags or paint, making it easier to dig safely.
Founded in 1895, Peoples Gas System Inc. has grown to become Florida’s largest natural gas distribution utility, delivering safe, clean, affordable and reliable natural gas to more than 500,000 homes and businesses across the state. Through investments in people, technology and infrastructure, the company is committed to fueling Florida responsibly and sustainably. Peoples Gas is a subsidiary of Emera Inc., a geographically diverse energy and services company headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. To learn more about the benefits of natural gas for Florida, visit FloridasEnergy.com. Find more information about the company, its culture, career opportunities and community investments at PeoplesGas.com.
