Black Hills Energy is urging residents and businesses to safely remove snow from their gas meters, vents and overhead eaves. This is an important safety measure to prevent damage as well as insuring meters operate correctly.
Gas meters and regulators are durable and designed with the weather in mind, but a coating of ice or snow could cause a loss of service and become a safety issue. Here are a few suggestions:
- Gently clear snow away by hand or with a broom; do not use a shovel or other sharp tools as damage could result
- Use caution with snow blowers and shovels away from gas meters and other above-ground equipment
- Carefully clear snow away from outdoor vents on high-efficiency furnaces
- Safely remove ice buildup from overhead eaves that could fall and damage gas meters below
- Identify meter and any other above-ground utility structures to snow removal contractors
Ways to Stay Safe
- Natural gas smells like rotten eggs for a reason; if your nose picks up this scent, immediately leave the area, and call 911 once you’re away from the site
- Wait for Black Hills Energy or emergency personnel to arrive before re-entering the building. Emergency personnel will let you know when it’s safe to return
- Do not turn on lights, ignite a flame, use a cell phone or use anything that might cause a spark, including a flashlight or a generator
- Ensure your home and business is equipped with carbon monoxide detectors, and never use gas ranges, ovens or clothes dryers to heat your home
