MASSENA, NY – (November 12, 2019) As a large winter storm hits northern New York, Liberty Utilities is reminding all natural gas customers to keep snow and ice from building up and covering outdoor natural gas meters and pressure regulators as well as from blocking appliance vents.

Throughout the winter, and particularly after a storm, it is important that customers regularly check their natural gas meter, pressure regulator and appliance vents to ensure they are clear of snow and ice. Snow and ice should be gently cleared from natural gas equipment and vents.

Meter and Regulator Safety

Snow or ice build-up could interrupt your gas service or cause an appliance to malfunction, which may create a hazardous condition.

Use a broom to gently clear snow or ice around the meter. Don’t shovel snow up against gas meters or piping. Don’t kick or hit the gas meter, pressure regulator or piping to free snow or ice.

Also, be careful when using shovels, plows or snow blowers near the gas meter equipment.

Melting snow from a roof, drifting snow, freezing rain or water leaking from an eaves trough can cause an icy build-up. Always keep eaves troughs in good repair and fix leaky seams in eaves troughs or down spouts. Don’t allow water to drip onto the gas meter equipment.

Vent Safety

Vents installed through an outside wall are used to intake air and output exhaust to support the safe operation of your natural gas equipment.

Snow and ice can impact the proper functioning of vents. If an exhaust vent is blocked or clogged and unable to vent exhaust, a pressure switch will automatically be activated resulting in the appliance being shut down (i.e. furnaces, fireplaces, water heaters), and loss of heat.

To ensure proper functioning of your natural gas equipment and as a safety precaution, vents should be gently cleared of any snow or ice. Do not use sharp objects or apply force as this may disconnect or damage venting. Use a broom or a brush to gently remove blockage and ensure that the area remains clear of snow or ice.

If you need assistance clearing vents, you should contact your heating contractor. If you do not have one, you can look one up in the yellow pages under Heating Contractors.

If you see ice build-up and suspect there is a problem, call Liberty Utilities immediately at 1-800-454-2201. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you smell natural gas and/or suspect any other natural gas emergency, contact 911 IMMEDIATELY or Liberty Utilities at 315-769-3511.