CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 19, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Piedmont Natural Gas today advised customers that Piedmont crews will be canvassing neighborhoods in flood impacted areas to inspect natural gas meters for signs of submersion from flooding caused by Hurricane Matthew. Any meter believed to have been submerged will be removed and natural gas service to the home or business will be turned off.

Customers whose natural gas service is turned off will be notified, and natural gas appliances in the home or business will need to be inspected for safe operation by a licensed contractor before service can be restored. Customers are advised that appliances may need to be replaced if an inspection finds they have been damaged by flood waters and cannot operate safely.

"Safety continues to be our top priority as we deal with the aftermath of hurricane Matthew," said Frank Yoho, executive vice president and president, natural gas business for Piedmont Natural Gas. "Although our natural gas pipeline delivery system was relatively undamaged by the storm, we know many of our customers in eastern North Carolina and South Carolina are dealing with incredible destruction and loss of property. The continued safe and reliable operation of our natural gas system is an important piece in helping our customers and the communities we serve in these areas to recover and rebuild."

To help ensure the continued safe and reliable operation of natural gas service to customers and communities impacted by Matthew, Piedmont asks anyone affected by the storm to please follow these guidelines:

If water has entered your home:

• Do not attempt to disconnect or work on or around your natural gas meter
• Do not attempt to relight any of your natural gas appliances. Call Piedmont at 1.800.752.7504 so we can inspect your meter and your natural gas appliances for possible damage
• Do not attempt to clear flood debris from your natural gas meter or from any other natural gas appliance, including your water heater. Call Piedmont for an assessment
• Never use outdoor equipment indoors for cooking or heating. This includes natural gas grills, generators, etc.

If your natural gas appliances are damaged by water:

• Natural gas appliances damaged by water may need to be replaced according to manufacturer guidelines and instructions
• When choosing a contractor for repair or replacement of your natural gas appliances, make sure the contractor is licensed, committed to safety and follows all manufacturer safety guidelines
• You can choose to work with Piedmont Natural Gas, one of our approved Gas Advantage Dealers, or any other licensed contractor to repair or replace damaged appliances
• For a list of Piedmont's Gas Advantage Dealers, go to www.piedmontng.com
• Note that unauthorized repairs can be unsafe and may void your warranty according to manufacturer guidelines
• Call your appliance manufacturer if you are unsure that the work being performed is an approved repair

If you suspect a natural gas leak (natural gas smells like rotten eggs):

• Leave the area immediately
• After leaving the area, call Piedmont at1.800.752.7504 or call 911
• Call from a neighbor's house or from another location far from the smell of natural gas
• DO NOT use anything electrical that may create a spark; this includes cell phones
• DO NOT operate any light switches
• DO NOT light a match
• DO NOT attempt to locate the source of a leak
• DO NOT attempt to stop a leak
• DO NOT return to the area until Piedmont Natural Gas or the emergency services have declared the area safe
• DO NOT attempt to operate pipeline valves yourself. You may inadvertently cause more danger or additional damage
• DO NOT attempt to extinguish a natural gas fire

Customers with immediate questions or concerns should call Piedmont Natural Gas at 1.800.752.7504. Additionally, customers can also visit the company's website at www.piedmontng.com for additional information and storm related updates.

Piedmont Natural Gas

Piedmont Natural Gas, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, is an energy services company primarily engaged in the distribution of natural gas to more than 1 million residential, commercial, industrial and power generation customers in portions of North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, including customers served by municipalities who are wholesale customers. Its subsidiaries are invested in joint venture, energy-related businesses, including unregulated retail natural gas marketing, regulated interstate natural gas transportation and storage, and regulated intrastate natural gas transportation businesses. More information about Piedmont Natural Gas is available at www.piedmontng.com.

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is an S&P 100 Stock Index company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com. 

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SOURCE Piedmont Natural Gas

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