Storm Preparedness

At SoCalGas, preparedness is a year-round responsibility. As Central and Southern California communities prepare for the possibility of El Niño-related weather impacts, our focus is on maintaining the safety and reliability of our natural gas system, supporting our customers and communities, and coordinating closely with local agencies and first responders. We continuously monitor our infrastructure and take proactive steps to prepare our operations, equipment, and personnel for potential weather-related impacts.

Potential Impacts for Customers

Severe winter weather can affect communities in different ways depending on local conditions.

Heavy Rain and Flooding

Periods of intense rainfall can lead to localized flooding, road closures and damage to homes, businesses and critical infrastructure. Areas near hillsides, rivers, creeks or recent burn scars may face an increased risk of mudslides, debris flows and erosion.

Landslides and Debris Flows

Heavy rainfall can trigger slope movement and debris flows, particularly in and around wildfire burn scars. These events can damage roads, disrupt access to communities and affect utility infrastructure.

Mountain Snow and Winter Storms

Higher elevation communities can experience significant snowfall during major winter storms. Heavy snow and ice may make travel difficult, delay emergency response and restoration efforts, and isolate could communities if roads become impassable.

Power Outages and Service Disruptions

Strong storms can damage infrastructure and disrupt transportation routes. While natural gas systems are designed with safety and reliability in mind, severe weather events can make it more difficult for utility crews to access affected areas and complete repairs.

How SoCalGas Prepares and Responds

SoCalGas continuously monitors weather conditions and works year-round to prepare for severe weather and other emergency situations.

SoCalGas’ severe weather preparedness efforts include:

Maintaining the safety and integrity of our infrastructure

Temporary and permanent erosion-control measures, infrastructure restoration and repairs, and rerouting pipelines from storm-impacted locations where feasible.

Monitoring the natural gas system

Expanded satellite monitoring; use of technologies including LiDAR and strain gauges; and assessments of landslide-prone areas, creek crossings, flood channels, washes and burn scars.

Maintaining operational readiness

24/7 control room operations and Emergency Watch Desk monitoring, pre- and post-storm patrol and inspection plans, incident command tabletop exercises, prepositioning supplies and materials, and preparing customer and public communications.

Coordinating with first responders and local agencies

Ongoing communication, training and exercises intended to support a coordinated response during emergencies.

Preparing for winter demand

Natural gas infrastructure, storage inventory and pipeline capacity are positioned to support reliable service during the winter season.

How Customers Can Prepare

Customers can take steps before and during severe weather to help protect their natural gas equipment and know what to do if their natural gas service is affected.

Keep Your Natural Gas Meter Accessible

Keep the area around your natural gas meter clear of debris and other obstructions. Following severe weather, do not attempt to move, repair or adjust the meter or other natural gas equipment.

Know the Signs of a Natural Gas Leak

Be familiar with the signs of a possible natural gas leak. If you smell the distinctive odor of natural gas or suspect a leak, leave the area immediately and, from a safe location, call 911 and SoCalGas at 1-800-427-2200.

If Your Natural Gas Service Is Interrupted

Do not attempt to restore natural gas service yourself. SoCalGas technicians will assess the system and restore service when it is safe to do so.

Protect Natural Gas Appliances and Equipment

If flooding or other severe weather affects natural gas appliances or equipment at your home or business, do not attempt to use or repair damaged equipment until it has been safely inspected.

Follow Local Emergency Guidance

For information about evacuation orders, road closures, flooding and other local emergency conditions, customers should follow instructions from local emergency management officials and first responders.