• News
• News Releases
• Rankings
• Natural Gas Links
• Media and Public Affairs Contacts

2012 News Releases | 2011 News Releases | 2010 News Releases

2007 News Releases

Staying Safe and Warm This Winter

Atmos Energy reminds customers to prepare for the winter chill

DALLAS, Texas -- November 12, 2007 -- With cold weather just around the corner, Atmos Energy (NYSE:ATO) advises customers to prepare their homes in advance in order to stay safe and warm during cold weather while saving energy.

“Now is a good time to ensure that your natural gas appliances are working properly,” said John A. Paris, Atmos Energy Mid-Tex Division president. “Have a qualified technician check all natural gas appliances for proper operation and venting prior to winter operation.”

Natural gas is safe and dependable, however, precautions should be taken to avoid unsafe situations with heating and other household equipment. The company recommends routine maintenance by a qualified individual to ensure appliances are working properly and guard against carbon monoxide emissions. 

A qualified technician also should check the connectors on all natural gas appliances. “All non-approved connectors should be replaced to help avoid a possible natural gas leak and any gas lines or valves not connected to an appliance should be capped or plugged,” Paris added.

Natural gas is colorless and odorless. As a safety precaution, Atmos Energy adds a strong, distinct and readily identifiable odor. The sulphuric odor smells similar to rotten eggs. If you ever smell gas inside or outside the house, you should leave the area immediately and, from a distance, call 9-1-1 or Atmos Energy at 1-866-322-8667.

“Avoid doing anything that might cause a spark,” Paris said. “Don’t turn a light on or off, don’t strike a match and don’t use a telephone in an area where you smell gas. Telephones use a small amount of electricity that might produce a spark.”

With proper maintenance of natural gas appliances, customers should be safe and warm this winter.

Atmos Energy also reminds customers that there is still time to prepare for winter to save energy dollars:

• Consider adding insulation in the attic if you have less than the recommended level for your area.
• Seal around the outside of the chimney and around wires and vent pipes.
• Install low-flow, water-saving showerheads to cut water use and save 5 to 10% on water heating costs.
• Consider installing a programmable thermostat

To find a qualified individual for gas equipment inspection or repair, check your yellow pages or log on to www.atmosenergy.com/dealer.

The company provides winter safety and energy-saving tips online at www.atmosenergy.com.   For more information, call the company’s toll-free number,
1-888-ATMOS-00 (1-888-286-6700).

About Atmos Energy

Atmos Energy Corporation, headquartered in Dallas, is the country’s largest natural gas-only distributor, serving about 3.2 million natural gas distribution customers in more than 1,600 communities in 12 states from the Blue Ridge Mountains in the East to the Rocky Mountains in the West. Atmos Energy also provides natural gas marketing and procurement services to industrial, commercial and municipal customers in 22 states and manages company-owned natural gas pipeline and storage assets, including one of the largest intrastate natural gas pipeline systems in Texas. Atmos Energy is a Fortune 500 company. For more information, visit www.atmosenergy.com.

###

Return to Top