TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Feb. 5, 2014) - Throughout the winter, and particularly after a storm, it's important to check natural gas meters, pressure regulators and appliance exhaust vents to ensure they are clear of snow and ice. Doing so also makes the meter accessible for safety reasons.
"Snow or ice buildup could damage a natural gas meter or regulator, interrupt natural gas service or cause an appliance to malfunction," says John Oakley, Vice President, Enbridge Gas Distribution. "This can create a serious safety hazard."
If a meter, regulator or external vents are covered with snow or ice, carefully remove the snow with either a car brush or broom. Do not use sharp objects or force, such as kicking or hitting, to remove the snow or ice as this can cause damage.
Enbridge Gas Distribution encourages customers to take these additional safety precautions:
- Never pile snow against gas equipment or appliance vents
- Don't let snow or ice block your 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
- Maintain eavestroughs and fix leaky seams around downspouts - this will help prevent water from dripping and freezing on the meter and appliance vents
If you have a seasonal property, or are away on vacation, make sure that someone is checking in on your property.
Call Enbridge Gas Distribution for assistance at 1-877-ENBRIDGE (362-7434) if snow or ice buildup on natural gas meters or regulators cannot be gently removed with a broom or car brush.
If you need assistance to clear a blocked appliance vent, you should contact a licensed contractor. If you do not have one, please visit 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. Enbridge Gas Distribution delivers safe, reliable natural gas in more than 100 communities across Ontario and is a leader in promoting energy efficiency programs. It is owned by Enbridge Inc., a Canadian-based leader in energy transportation and distribution and one of the 2013 Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations. Enbridge Inc. has been selected as one of Canada's Greenest Employers for 2013 and is one of Canada's Top 100 Employers. Enbridge Gas Distribution and its affiliates distribute natural gas to 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.
For more information please contact:
Chris Meyer
Media Contact
(416) 753-6626
chris.meyer@enbridge.com
