Winter Safety

Maine Natural Gas would like to remind its customers of important safety reminders during the winter months:

Keep Natural Gas Meters Clear of Snow and Ice

Snow and ice accumulation may interfere with the operation of natural gas meters and regulators, or may slow access in case of an emergency. Snow removal activities can also pose a hazard to gas meter assemblies or piping, and result in a dangerous leak. Snow should not be pushed or piled around meters. Also, take care when operating snow blowers or plows around natural gas meters to avoid damage. Natural gas meters and regulators should be kept clear of snow and ice by using a broom or by hand – not a shovel. Should a natural gas meter become encased in ice, or begin to make an unusual noise, customers should contact Maine Natural Gas at 877.532.5636.

Watch for Falling Ice or Snow

Homeowners should be alert to potential ice build-up on rooftops. Falling ice and snow can damage utility meters or regulators. Homeowners can contact qualified roofing contractors for safe removal of snow and ice accumulation above utility meters and regulators.

Keep Appliance Vents Clear of Snow and Ice

Beware of exhaust getting trapped by snow around an appliance sidewall outside vent from a natural gas appliance. If a vent is obstructed, the appliance may shut down or malfunction and create a potentially hazardous condition, such as a dangerous build-up of carbon monoxide . All equipment outside vents should be kept clear of snow and ice.

Important Winter Safety Tips

Never use your oven or range top to heat your home. Using the oven to heat a room or apartment during winter is dangerous – for two reasons.

First, leaving burner flames on and unwatched is a fire hazard.

Second, oven burners operating continuously can use up indoor oxygen and lead to the production of deadly carbon monoxide .

Look here to find out more about Appliance Safety

Smell Natural Gas Odor? You should leave the area and immediately call Maine Natural Gas at 877.532.5636.