Can snow and ice cause a safety problem for gas appliances?
Yes. Most natural gas equipment vent from the roof but some vent from other parts of your home, such as the sidewall. Periodically check outside your home to make sure your furnace, water heater, dryer, or fireplace vents are not blocked by snow and/or ice.
Before digging on your property, please contact DigSafe at 811 or visit DigSafe. Also contact "OK-TO-DIG" at 866.658.6344 or visit Okay To Dig for more information.
What do I need to know about pressure regulators and relief valves?
Pressure regulators and relief valves have a pressure relief vent that must be capable of venting gas safely to open air. When a pressure regulator is located inside a building the vent must be piped to an area outside of the building so if it operates it will vent safely to free air.
Can snow and ice create a safety problem for gas meter sets?
Yes. Snow and ice can block gas services valves and make it difficult for first responders to turn off the gas to a building in the event of a fire or gas leak. Pressure regulators and relief vents can also become blocked. If this occurs, an over-pressurization or under-pressurization could result I a hazardous condition for customers.
Use your senses to detect gas leaks. A natural gas leak is usually recognized by smell, sight, or sound. Remember, if you smell natural gas, get up, get out and call us immediately from a neighbor's phone.
Smell
Natural gas is colorless and odorless. For your safety, a distinctive, pungent odor, similar to rotten eggs, is added so that you'll recognize it quickly. Not all transmission lines are odorized.
Sight
You may see a white cloud, mist, fog, bubbles in standing water or blowing dust. You may also see vegetation that appears to be dead or dying for no apparent reason.
Sound
You may hear an unusual noise like roaring, hissing, or whistling. If you suspect a gas leak get up, go outside and call MNG from a neighbor's phone toll free at 877.532.5636 or call 911 for your local fire department. MNG will respond quickly to ensure that you and your family are safe.
Do not operate electrical switches or appliances. These items may produce a spark that might ignite the gas and cause an explosion.
Do not use a telephone.
Do not light a match or smoke and extinguish any open flames.
Do not assume someone else will report the condition.
Do not open windows and doors to ventilate the area.
Provide MNG with the exact location, including cross streets.
Let us know if sewer construction or digging activities are going on in the area.
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