Hurricane Matthew Alert: TECO Peoples Gas Urges Customers to Leave Gas On

Follow emergency guidelines if evacuated

TAMPA, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–As TECO Peoples Gas officials continue to track Hurricane Matthew, the
company is prepared for any natural gas emergencies created by the
hurricane or its aftermath. If the hurricane affects Florida, 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.

“The best and safest action for our customers is to follow emergency
guidelines issued by the State Emergency Response Team,” said T.J.
Szelistowski, president of TECO Peoples Gas. “Our crews are standing by
to handle any gas-related emergencies created by Hurricane Matthew.”

For safety reasons, Peoples Gas may need to turn off some customers’
service at the meter. If customers find their gas service has been shut
off, they will need to call the Peoples Gas Customer Care Center at
877-TECO-PGS (877-832-6747) to have service restored.

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, say “emergency” or select option 8.

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.

Other helpful hints in the event of an evacuation:

• Before evacuating, please first review the evacuation route
  information on the Florida Division of Emergency Management Web site (www.FloridaDisaster.org).
  Roads may be closed to facilitate better traffic flow.
• Have a functioning battery powered radio to monitor emergency
  information.
• Make plans for pets as they are extremely vulnerable and are not
  allowed at most shelters.
• For more information, visit www.peoplesgas.com.
  

Peoples
Gas System, Florida’s largest natural gas distribution utility,
serves about 370,000 customers across Florida. Peoples Gas is a
subsidiary of Emera Inc., a geographically diverse energy and services
company headquartered in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Contacts

TECO Peoples Gas
Cherie Jacobs, 813-228-4945