TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Feb. 20, 2014) - With parts of southern Ontario under a heavy rainfall warning today and tomorrow and forecasts of freezing rain and melting snow in some areas, Enbridge Gas Distribution reminds residents and businesses about important safety information.

Do not enter flooded areas with natural gas equipment, get flooded equipment checked

Natural gas appliances and meters or regulators that are fully or partially submerged as a result of flooding pose a potential safety risk, even if there is no smell of gas, and should also be called in to the Enbridge Gas Distribution 24-hour Emergency Number at 1-866-763-5427.

Enbridge advises customers not to enter any flooded areas with gas fired equipment due to a potential electrical shock hazard from electrically powered gas equipment or other electrical sources which may cause severe injury or death.

Flooding can impair the effectiveness of safety devices installed in natural gas equipment and appliances. If natural gas equipment has come into contact with water, contact a licensed Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) contractor or your service provider or equipment manufacturer, to have the affected appliance(s) serviced or repaired. Enbridge Gas Distribution does not provide this service.

Call before clearing a blocked sewer line outside the walls of a building

In some cases, flooding can impact sewer lines. Before doing any work to clear a blocked sewer line beyond the outside walls of a building, it is important to call Ontario One Call at 1-800-400-2255 to request a free Natural Gas Sewer Safety Inspection. It is possible that some natural gas lines could intersect with sewer service lines. A serious safety issue may result if tools used to clear the sewer service line damage a natural gas line, causing a gas leak.

Keep natural gas meters and appliance vents clear of ice

Check natural gas meters, pressure regulators and appliance exhaust vents to ensure they are clear of ice build up which could damage a natural gas meter or regulator, interrupt natural gas service or cause an appliance to malfunction and create a safety hazard. For example, if ice blocks your appliance vents it could cause dangerous carbon monoxide to build up indoors.

If a meter, regulator or external vents are covered with snow or ice, carefully remove the snow or ice with either a car brush or broom. Do not use sharp objects or force, such as kicking or hitting, to remove the ice as this can cause damage. Also maintain eavestroughs and fix leaky seams around downspouts - this will help prevent water from dripping and freezing on the meter and appliance vents.

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 HVAC contractor. If you do not have one, please visit EnbridgeGas.com/FindContractor.

Anyone who smells natural gas or is aware of damage to natural gas equipment is advised to leave the area and call the Enbridge Gas Distribution Emergency Number at 1-866-763-5427. Emergency calls will receive top priority.

For more information about natural gas 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.