FNGA Natural gas is safe and could save you this hurricane season

WORKFORCE/ BUSINESS MATTERS

Emergency Management and Natural Gas

By DALE CALHOUN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE FLORIDA NATURAL GAS ASSOCIATION

Hurricane season is fast approaching. As many Floridians know, that means power outages are imminent.

These outages are a real threat to businesses, which are dependent on power to serve customers and earn revenue to pay their employees. Without power, restaurants cannot operate to serve customers. Without power, hotels, known for top-tier hospitality, cannot provide guests with appropriate accommodations. What’s more, Florida’s emergency management services cannot operate without power, which endangers countless lives.

That’s why hurricanes and strong storms impose such a serious threat to the operations of many businesses and essential services that rely on traditional sources of energy for power.

But, in the wake of severe storms when the power goes out, natural gas stays on.

Natural gas is extremely reliable, which is critical to Florida businesses that are at risk of severe weather. That’s because natural gas pipelines are protected underground, making them safe from severe weather, heavy tree limbs, traffic and other hazardous elements. With natural gas, chefs can continue to cook, generators prevent food-product spoilage and hotels have lighting, hot water and air conditioning.

Most essential services depend on natural gas to continue operations during an emergency. Hospitals, nursing homes, fire stations and law enforcement rely on natural gas to power generators during and after hurricanes. With natural gas, these essential services can keep patients on life support, surgical rooms in operation and emergency departments prepared to respond.

While natural gas is extremely reliable for businesses and emergency services alike, there are some tips to keep in mind during the upcoming hurricane season. » DO NOT turn off the natural gas to your building, not even before evacuating. » If you smell a rotten egg odor, call your local utility company immediately, or 911, to report a leak. » If damage to any type of natural gas equipment occurs, never try to repair it yourself, call the professionals.

When a hurricane hits and traditional energy sources fail, Florida businesses and Florida’s emergency management services can depend on natural gas. Natural gas is a safe, affordable and reliable source of energy for cooking, heating water and powering appliances, including generators.