TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - March 1, 2016) - Winter storm, snowfall and blizzard warnings are in effect across a wide part of southern Ontario. Environment Canada forecasts between 15 and 25 centimetres of snow to fall by Wednesday. Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. (Enbridge) is reminding customers to clear the snow off their natural gas meter and appliance exhaust vents.

Enbridge is also suspending any non-essential work and will only be responding to emergency or storm-related calls.

Natural gas meter sets should be kept free of ice and significant snow accumulation. Appliance vents, if plugged by ice or snow, can cause an appliance to malfunction. This can be a serious safety hazard.

Enbridge has the following safety tips and precautions:

• Use a car brush or broom to remove the snow or ice from meters, regulators and external vents. Don't use sharp objects or force, such as kicking or hitting, to clear the snow or ice as this can cause damage.
• Never pile snow against gas equipment or appliance vents.
• Don't let snow or ice block vents - this could cause dangerous carbon monoxide to buildup indoors.
• Be careful when using a shovel, plow or snow blower near natural gas equipment or appliance vents.

For assistance with clearing a blocked appliance vent, customers should contact a licensed contractor. A list is available on the website at EnbridgeGas.com/FindContractor.

For more information on snow and ice safety please visit EnbridgeGas.com/safetytips or to watch quick safety videos visit SixSecondSafety.com

About Enbridge Gas Distribution

Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. has a more than 165-year history and is Canada's largest natural gas distribution company. It is owned by Enbridge Inc., a Canadian-based leader in energy transportation and distribution. Enbridge has ranked as one of the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations for the past seven years and was also named as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers in 2015. Enbridge Gas Distribution and its affiliates distribute natural gas to over two million customers in Ontario, Quebec, New York State and New Brunswick. For more information, visit www.enbridgegas.com or follow us on Twitter @EnbridgeGasNews.