CNG, SCG Recognize National Preparedness Month, Sharing Safety and Readiness Tips for Customers

Companies highlight ongoing commitment to emergency management training and steps customers can take to stay prepared 

 

ORANGE, Conn. — September 15, 2026 – Connecticut Natural Gas (CNG) and Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG), subsidiaries of Avangrid, Inc., recognize the month of September as National Preparedness Month and take the opportunity to remind customers of the importance of planning ahead for emergency situations.  

 

“At CNG and SCG, preparedness is something that we focus on year-round,” said Frank Reynolds, President & CEO of CNG and SCG. “Our teams continuously monitor weather conditions, train for emergency scenarios, and strengthen coordination across our operations so we’re ready to respond quickly and safely when customers need us most. National Preparedness Month is a reminder of why this work matters and why staying ready is essential for the communities we serve.” 

 

National Preparedness Month, led by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) each September, promotes proactive planning to ensure communities are ready for emergencies. CNG and SCG support this mission by providing customers with tools, resources, and safety information to prepare before a potential emergency situation. CNG and SCG’s Gas Operations and Emergency Response teams work continuously to stay ready for severe weather. In October, the companies will hold a day-long internal emergency response exercise to sharpen skills and collaboration during various simulated scenarios. 

 

“Customer safety is always our top priority and knowing how to recognize and respond to a gas or carbon monoxide emergency can make all the difference,” said Al Langland, Senior Vice President of Gas Operations at CNG and SCG. “We encourage every household to review basic safety steps, understand proper digging procedures for damage prevention, and contact us right away if something doesn’t seem right. A few minutes of preparation can help keep families safe all year long.” 

 

An important safety reminder to prevent underground utility damage is to submit the required Call Before You Dig request prior to any excavation work, even for small jobs like fence posts or mailboxes. The first step is contacting Call Before You Dig by dialing 811 or submitting an electronic request at CBYD.com at least two full business days prior to the start of any digging or excavation. Once a request is received, representatives from local utility companies will visit the property to identify and mark underground utilities using color‑coded paint, flags, or stakes. Following this process ensures customers protect themselves and their community.  

 

To help customers stay ready for emergencies, CNG and SCG share the following safety information: 

  • A natural gas leak is usually recognized by smell, sight, or sound. Natural gas is odorless, so a distinct odor similar to rotten eggs is added in so it can be recognized quickly. You may also see a white cloud, mist, or fog, or hear a hissing or whistling noise. 

  • If you suspect a gas leak, go outside and call CNG at 866.924.5325, SCG at 800.513.8898, or call 911 for your local fire department. 

  • Carbon monoxide is found in combustion fumes, such as those produced by automobile engines, stoves, and generators or by burning charcoal, oil, wood or propane. Carbon monoxide from these sources can build up in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces. 

  • Exposure to carbon monoxide can cause flu-like symptoms, including headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea and loss of muscle control. Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide can lead to serious illness and even death. 

  • To protect yourself from carbon monoxide poisoning, have your heating system, chimney flues and vents checked once a year by a professional and install a carbon monoxide alarm. 

 

For more information on natural gas safety, visit Safety - CNG and Safety - SCG

 

Media Contact: 

Angela Baccaro 

angela.baccaro@avangrid.com  

(203) 836-0874