Information for Possible Gas Shortage in Albuquerque

Albuquerque, New Mexico -- City, County and State leaders continue to monitor and plan for potential displaced residents based on the ongoing natural gas service interruptions.

According to the New Mexico Gas Company, potential outages are possible in the areas of Four Hills, Kinney Brick, Downtown Albuquerque and Tijeras. There are additional areas that the gas company is concerned about.

At this point, Albuquerque has not seen widespread interruptions in service. However there have been sporadic customer interruptions.

The NEW MEXICO GAS COMPANY reports that the pipeline system is intact and crews are working to minimize the impact of this situation.

Customers have experienced an interruption of service in several communities. These include: Tularosa, La Luz, Espanola, Taos, Questa, Red River, the town of Bernalillo, Placitas, Santa Clara Pueblo, Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, Alamogordo, Silver City, San Ildefonso Pueblo, and Santa Ana Pueblo.

NEW MEXICO GAS COMPANY has been working with National, County and State emergency services and officials, as well as local assistance agencies.

City, County and State officials are working with local Red Cross representatives to set up shelters for local residents as well as New Mexicans from other cities and towns affected by natural gas outages should they be needed. Shelters are being set up at the following locations:
* Highland High School, 4700 Coal Avenue SE
* Manzano High School, 12200 Lomas NE

Bernalillo County is providing the following facilities as
"warming centers" (which are not Red Cross designated shelters):
* Los Padillas Community Center in the South Valley
* Paradise Hills Community Centers on the Westside
* Raymond Sanchez Community Center in the North Valley
* Vista Grande Community Center in the East Mountains

The Red Cross reminds people to pack the following essential items if they need to go to a shelter:
* Prescription Medications
* Toiletries (toothbrushes, toothpaste, contact solution, soap, etc)
* Pillows
* Extra blankets and sleeping bags
* Cell phone chargers and communication devices
* Changes of clothes

*Do not bring pets to shelters - If you have a pet that you need sheltered, please call 311 and Animal Welfare will shelter your pet once you sign a release.

Mayor Berry and other local and state officials stressed that residents from other areas of New Mexico who have been displaced are welcome to come to Albuquerque. "If you live outside of the metropolitan area and need shelter, you can come to Albuquerque and Bernalillo County facilities" said the mayor. "We are prepared to provide shelter to those New Mexicans in need."

The mayor once again asked Albuquerque residents to do the following:
* LOWER THERMOSTATS TO 60 DEGREES.
* Limit hot water usage.
* Check on your neighbors, in particular the elderly and disabled.
* Keep animals inside.

For more information and updates, access the City of Albuquerque website at www.cabq.govhttp://www.cabq.gov/> or www.bernco.govhttp://www.bernco.gov/> . Residents may also contact the city information center at 311 if they need further assistance.