• CenterPoint Energy advises customers not to turn off their natural gas at the meter. The gas meter should be left on to maintain proper pressure in the gas piping within the house and to prevent water from entering the lines should flooding occur.

• If a customer does wish to discontinue gas service, it is suggested that the gas be turned off at each appliance. Later, to restore gas service to an appliance, it is only necessary to follow the written instructions located on the appliance for relighting. If unable to locate instructions, call a qualified plumber.

After the storm

• If you smell gas when you return to your home, leave the house and call CenterPoint Energy from a neighbor's house or a remote location as soon as possible.

• If your home was flooded, call a licensed plumber or a gas appliance technician to inspect your appliances and gas piping to make sure it is in good operating condition before calling CenterPoint Energy to reconnect service. This includes outdoor gas appliances also, such as pool heaters, gas grills, and gas lights.

• If you've had no flooding in your home and your natural gas is turned off at the meter, please call CenterPoint Energy to reconnect service.

• CenterPoint Energy assures customers that while gas lines are buried underground and are not normally affected by strong winds, high water or other abnormal weather conditions, the company is fully prepared to respond to any emergency situation that might arise due to a hurricane. Customers who have questions concerning hurricane precautions may call the phone number listed on their bill.

CenterPoint Energy, Inc., headquartered in Houston, Texas, is a domestic energy delivery company that includes electric transmission & distribution, natural gas distribution, competitive natural gas sales and services, and interstate pipeline and field services operations.  The company serves more than five million metered customers primarily in Arkansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas. Assets total over $17 billion.  With about 8,600 employees, CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 130 years.  For more information, visit the Web site at www.CenterPointEnergy.com