Weather

Be storm ready this hurricane season with natural gas

The Atlantic Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with an average season having 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4, or 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale). With the season approaching, it’s important to be prepared ahead of time. When it comes to hurricanes, there are different […]

Jared Williams

The Atlantic Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with an average season having 14 named storms, 7 hurricanes, and 3 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4, or 5 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale).

With the season approaching, it’s important to be prepared ahead of time.

When it comes to hurricanes, there are different steps for before, during, and after the disaster that can go a long way in helping you and your family.

“Hurricane season is here and the top priority at Okaloosa Gas is the safety of the residents of Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, South Walton and Escambia counties,” said Eddie Springle, VP of Marketing for Okaloosa Gas District. “Being a natural gas provider, it is our job to make sure everyone is aware of the steps to take in case they encounter any problems involving natural gas.”

There are a few things you can do to prepare for a hurricane.

Before the Storm

Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
Visit ready.gov/hurricanes for methods on how to secure your home.
Know your surroundings and learn the elevation level of your property and whether the land is flood-prone.
Identify levees and dams in your area and determine whether they pose a hazard to you.
Learn community storm or hurricane evacuation routes. Determine where you would go and how you would get there if you need to evacuate.

During the Storm

Turn the thermostat to the ‘off’ position before evacuating.
Turn the shut-off valve to the ‘off’ position for any outdoor appliances.
Do not attempt to disconnect your gas service or work on or around your gas meter.
Do not relight any of your gas appliances.
Do not clear flood debris from your gas meter or any other gas appliance, including your water heater.
If it does flood inside the home or comes in contact with natural gas appliances, call Okaloosa Gas at 850-729-4700 so they can inspect your meter and your natural gas appliances for possible flood damage.

After the Storm

Check natural gas appliances first and check the smell for a possible natural gas leak.
Do not attempt to make repairs yourself or use unauthorized, unlicensed individuals to work on your natural gas appliances. That can be unsafe and may void your warranty.
Call 811 or visit sunshine811.com at least two full business days before digging or disturbing the ground in any way to avoid potential natural gas or other utility interruptions.

Unlike other energy utilities, natural gas is located in an underground network to avoid any disruptions. Power outages can last anywhere from a few hours to several weeks.

Springle says, “for the most part, all of your natural gas utilities should still work properly, even if the electricity is out.” That means:

Hot showers – Natural gas tank water heater
Hot meals – Natural gas range or natural gas outdoor gas grill
Outdoor lighting – Natural gas lamps
No Power, No Worries – Natural gas whole or partial house generator

“The most important takeaway is NEVER be afraid to call Okaloosa Gas if anything seems wrong,” added Springle.

Turn to the natural gas experts at Okaloosa Gas District and find out more about the utility you can count on. Visit OkaloosaGas.com

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

News

Okaloosa Gas’ headquarters in Valparaiso on track for fall completion

Giving Back

Longtime public servant Rep. Patt Maney receives Boy Scouts’ highest honor, Distinguished Eagle Scout Award

Giving Back

Taylor Haugen Foundation to host shrimp boil fundraiser for youth sports safety

Business

Okaloosa Gas celebrates final beam placed on new state-of-the-art headquarters

Victoria Lee commented on Bill to repeal controversial customary use statute passes in Florida Senate

“This article is wrong. There was no privatization of the beaches. Much of the 30A shoreline to the MHWL has been private for decades.”

Respond

Michael Kaholokula commented on Destin High School to move to four-day school week in 2025-2026

“In my town the school day started and ended later. Crime rates went way down! Parents were home when their scholars were home. And scholars aren’t about getting up early!”

Debra Lee Willis commented on Eglin Air Force Base installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island

“I wonder just how long the new fencing will last,how long before someone plows into it. I've lived here. For 50 yrs, and can remember the beaches before all the...”

Sherry Ross commented on Eglin Air Force Base installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island

“The cement wall is ridiculous, just like the wall that use to line the bay side, it will dissappear too, traffic didn't destroy the bay side hurricanes did, to be...”

Cain commented on Eglin Air Force Base installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island

“And who do you think trashed it.”

Pat Hupp commented on Bill to repeal controversial customary use statute passes in Florida Senate

“Yea Don Gaetz of all people, he should go!”

Basil Meecham commented on Bill to repeal controversial customary use statute passes in Florida Senate

“Why the H... does anyone vote for any politician who is in favor of having the horrible disgusting private beaches? Every resident, every visitor, every tax payer MUST have a...”

Tim commented on Eglin Air Force Base installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island

“The air force doesn't own or need the land! It isn't theirs. It was mostly Choctawhatchee National Forest. The air force tried to sell that land in the 2000's but...”

James Huston commented on Eglin Air Force Base installing new fencing along Highway 98 on Okaloosa Island

“Those signs that you recommend have been there for years, just people annoyed them to the point that Eglin has now had to step the game up”

Harriet G. commented on Okaloosa installs bollards to protect new multi-use path from vehicles

“Now that Ms. Ketchel has torn down more dunes, plus paved over what was beautiful sand, golf carts can drive from one end to the other. No way to cross...”