CenterPoint Energy Entex provides the following important safety tips:

                             Before the Storm
  -- CenterPoint Energy Entex 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 Entex 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 Entex 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 Entex to reconnect
     service.

  -- CenterPoint Energy Entex 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 their local CenterPoint Energy Entex office.

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SOURCE: CenterPoint Energy Entex