Florida City Gas implements emergency response plan due to flooding from Tropical Storm Fay

August 21, 2008

Brevard Co, Fl. – Aug. 21, 2008 – Due to severe flooding caused by Tropical Storm Fay, Florida City Gas has suspended normal operations in Brevard County and will be responding to gas leak calls only. Residents should call 1-888-352-5325 if they believe they have a natural gas leak. If the leak is inside the customer’s home they should leave the premises.
 
“We are dispatching our emergency response crews from their homes to respond to all leak calls,” said Jay Sutton, vice president and general manager Florida City Gas. “Florida City Gas crews will make every attempt to respond in as timely a manner as possible given the road conditions. Again we ask customers to please leave their location if they smell an odor of gas, or think they may have a natural gas leak.”
 
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 gas contractor.
 
The Florida Emergency Information Line has been activated.  Residents needing information regarding Tropical Storm Fay can call for information toll-free at 1-800-342-3557.  Additional information on Tropical Storm Fay can be found at the Florida Division of Emergency Management web site at www.FloridaDisaster.org. 
 
In the case of a hurricane warning, Florida City Gas offers these hurricane safety tips: 
 

Hurricane preparation:  

• Florida City Gas customers are advised 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. Most gas appliances have safety valves that shut off the flow of gas automatically if the pilot light goes out.
• Stay tuned to radio or TV for critical bulletins.
• Board up windows, garage and porch doors. Large windows should be braced inside and out. Taping windows will lessen the hazard of flying glass.
• Move valuables to upper floors if possible to avoid water damage.
• Bring in pets and loose objects such as toys, furniture and trashcans.
• Fill containers with several days supply of drinking water (including sterilized bathtub).
• Turn up refrigerator to maximize cold and don’t open unless necessary.
• Use phones only for emergencies.
• Stay indoors on the downwind side of the house with a door or window on that side of the house open.
• Leave mobile homes.
• Check supplies of gas and charcoal for cooking.
• If ordered to evacuate, quickly secure your home and leave immediately. Follow evacuation orders regardless of what the weather is at the time. It may be sunny and calm when the evacuation order comes, but this lead time is necessary to insure your safety.
• Emergency Car Kit should include:

• Battery powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries
• Blanket
• Booster cables
• Fire extinguisher (5lb A-B-C type)
• First aid kit and manual
• Bottled water and non-perishable high energy foods such as granola bars, raisins and peanut butter.
• Secure pet carriers for cats and small dogs, sturdy leashes/harnesses for larger dogs, and appropriate crates or cages for other types of pets such as reptiles, birds, etc.
  

Back-up generators In 2007, Florida passed a new state law requiring gas stations located along evacuation routes in the Sunshine State to have backup power to pump fuel so residents can flee natural disasters before they occur and return after they pass.

The law also ensures that first responders, such as police officers, fire departments and utility crews who work through disasters, can get the gasoline they need to do their jobs. Many residents have also opted to install automatic natural gas generators.

“Gas stations, businesses and individuals have the option of utilizing a natural gas generator, ensuring on-demand, and dependable electricity during power outages,” said Sutton.

Fueled continually by natural gas, these generators are fully automatic. Within seconds of an outage, the unit comes on, supplies power and switches off when power returns - without any help from the owner. Units are insulated to reduce the sound and comply with emissions standards.

More than two million U.S. businesses will experience power outages that last longer than eight hours and cost more than $5,000 in lost revenue. 
 
About Florida City Gas Florida City Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of AGL Resources (NYSE: ATG), serves approximately 104,000 residential and commercial natural gas customers in Florida’s Miami-Dade, Brevard, St. Lucie, and Indian River counties. For more information, visit www.floridacitygas.com.
About AGL Resources AGL Resources (NYSE: ATG), an Atlanta-based energy services company, serves more than 2.3 million customers in six states. The company also owns Houston-based Sequent Energy Management, an asset manager serving natural gas wholesale customers throughout North America. As a 70 percent owner in the SouthStar partnership, AGL Resources markets natural gas to consumers in Georgia under the Georgia Natural Gas brand. The company also owns and operates Jefferson Island Storage & Hub, a high-deliverability natural gas storage facility near the Henry Hub in Louisiana. For more information, visit www.aglresources.com.

 
Contact:           AGL Resources           
                        Tami Gerke
                        Office: 404-584-3873
                        Cell: 404-558-2307 
                        tgerke@aglresources.com