Monsoon season brings the kind of heavy wind, rain and flooding that can damage natural gas lines and equipment - and City of Mesa Gas, the natural gas provider for the San Tan Valley area, is reminding residents of the steps they can take to stay safe before, during and after a storm.

Severe monsoon weather can topple trees, flood yards and impact the natural gas infrastructure that serves homes throughout the community. A little preparation now can help San Tan Valley families respond quickly if a storm causes a problem.

Before a Storm Hits

Take a few minutes to go over natural gas safety with your household, and keep these numbers somewhere easy to find:

• 911

• City of Mesa Gas: 480-644-4277

During the Storm

Natural gas appliances are generally safe to use during a storm. The exception is if you smell a rotten-egg odor or hear a hissing sound near an appliance or meter — if you notice either, even faintly, leave the area right away and call 911 and City of Mesa Gas. Do not wait, and do not try to find the source yourself.

After the Storm

Storm damage to your home or yard can affect gas lines you cannot see, so a few steps are worth taking once the weather clears:

• If your home or yard was damaged, have a qualified professional inspect your gas pipes and appliances before assuming everything is fine.

• If you smell a rotten-egg odor or suspect a leak, leave the area right away and call 911 and City of Mesa Gas.

• Before any digging to make repairs, call 811 at least two business days ahead. The call is free and required by law. Arizona 811 notifies the utilities, and each utility then locates and marks its own underground lines so you do not hit one.

Stay Alert After It Passes

Power outages and storm damage can last longer than the storm itself. Stay aware of possible hazards around your property until all repairs are finished.

Learn more about natural gas safety at mesaaz.gov/gassafety.