Q&A: Staying Safe During Summer Storms with Craig Stewart of SJI Utilities
Summer is here, and with the potential of severe weather, South Jersey Gas and Elizabethtown Gas are equipping customers with key safety guidance. We spoke with Craig Stewart, Vice President of Safety and Shared Services at SJI Utilities, to discuss how customers can stay safe and prepared during the storm season.
Q: Why is it important to prepare for summer storms ahead of time?
Craig Stewart: “We think it’s important to be proactive by offering our customers tips on how to plan for summer storms. As a trusted community partner, our customers need to be aware of how to deal with severe weather threats so they can protect themselves and their families this summer season.”
Q: What should people do before a storm hits?
Craig Stewart:
Preparation is key. You should:
- Create an emergency plan for your household and pets, including knowing evacuation routes and where your emergency supplies are.
- Build an emergency kit with essentials like non-perishable food, water, medications, flashlights, a first aid kit, and an up-to-date fire extinguisher.
- Charge electronics and keep your car and generator fueled.
- Stay informed by having a battery-powered weather radio or other non-electric source of emergency updates.
Q: What are your top safety recommendations during a storm?
Craig Stewart:
- Stay indoors unless absolutely necessary, and dress appropriately for the weather if you must go out.
- Avoid utility lines — always assume downed wires are dangerous and report them immediately to your electric provider.
- Use generators safely. Always operate them outside and follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Never connect a generator directly to your home’s electrical system.
- Opt for battery-powered lighting instead of candles to reduce fire risk.
Q: What should people keep in mind after a storm has passed?
Craig Stewart:
- Use personal protective gear when cleaning up debris and wash your hands afterward.
- Stay away from floodwaters. You can't judge their depth or speed just by looking.
- Keep refrigerator doors closed to retain cool air and protect your food if the power goes out.
Q: Are there any natural gas-specific safety tips you’d like to highlight?
Craig Stewart:
Absolutely. Natural gas infrastructure is largely underground, so it’s typically less vulnerable during storms. However:
- Never try to turn your gas on or off by yourself.
- Know where your gas meter is so our technicians can find it quickly if needed.
- If you smell gas (which has a distinctive rotten egg odor), move to a safe location, call 911, and contact your gas utility immediately:
- South Jersey Gas: 1.800.582.7060
- Elizabethtown Gas: 1.800.492.4009
Q: Where can customers go for more information?
Craig Stewart:
Customers can visit the safety sections on the South Jersey Gas or Elizabethtown Gas websites. For hurricane tracking and forecasts, I recommend checking the National Hurricane Center at nhc.noaa.gov.
Stay safe, be prepared, and remember: planning today can make all the difference tomorrow.
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