Days after North Lake Tahoe Fire officials warned of an alarming increase in gas leaks, carbon monoxide related emergencies and other hazard-related emergencies, Southwest Gas has put out its own alert, urging customers to protect themselves from snow and ice build up on natural gas infrastructure, especially when clearing roof-tops.
“Regardless of whether the home or business has a snow shelter in place, the weight of excessive snow and ice accumulation, whether natural or manmade, can damage natural gas piping and create a hazardous release of natural gas,” according to a Southwest Gas news release.
This includes, but not limited to:
Meters
Outdoor piping
Appliances
External Natural Gas Connections
Southwest Gas is reminding customers to keep the area around their natural gas meter clear of snow and debris and to not allow snow to block any appliance exhaust vents.
“Promptly clear snow or ice build-up around meters by using a broom, not a shovel, whenever possible to avoid causing damage,” the utility states in the news release.
Customers should be able to identify a natural gas leak from the following:
— The smell of sulfur or rotten eggs, even if only momentary
— The smell of hissing or roaring coming from the ground or natural gas infrastructure
— The sight of snow or dirt blowing into the air; standing water that continuously bubbles
If customers suspect a natural gas leak, even if they don’t have natural gas service, they should leave the area immediately and call 911 and Southwest Gas at 1-877-860-6020. Go here for other safety tips.
