What to know
- Enbridge Gas Ontario is warning residents to keep natural gas meters and appliance vents clear of snow and ice during the winter storm.
- The company says snow-covered meters can disrupt gas pressure and blocked vents can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide buildup inside homes.
- Customers are advised to carefully remove snow using a brush or broom and avoid using sharp tools, kicking, or piling snow near meters and pipes.
Gas company Enbridge is warning Ontarians to keep natural gas meters and appliance vents clear of snow and ice amid a huge snowstorm.
With heavy snowfall blanketing parts of the province, Enbridge Gas Ontario says blocked meters and vents can pose serious safety risks and interfere with home heating during some of the coldest days of the year.
“Clearing snow and ice from your gas meter and appliance vents is essential for safety,” Enbridge Gas Ontario Manager of Utilization Anita Chiappetta said in a statement on Thursday. “Doing so prevents dangerous blockages, keeps your appliances running efficiently, and ensures emergency crews can access your meter quickly if an unexpected situation occurs.”
Enbridge says while natural gas meters are designed to withstand harsh winters, snow and ice buildup can compromise their ability to regulate gas pressure.
Blocked appliance vents can also be dangerous, as they can cause poisonous carbon monoxide to build up inside a home.
ENBRIDGE ADVISES EXTRA CARE DURING SNOW REMOVAL
Ontarians are encouraged to take extra care during snow removal, and to avoid piling snow against gas meters and pipes. If snow or ice is noticed covering their meter or vent, the company advises for it to be removed carefully using a brush or broom.
Enbridge cautions against using sharp tools or scraping equipment, as well as striking or kicking, which can damage the meter and create additional hazards.
The company also recommends clearing overhead hazards such as icicles from eaves troughs to prevent melting water from dripping onto meters or vents and freezing over.
More safety information is available on Enbridge’s website, and customers facing issues can contact Enbridge Gas at 1-866-763-5427.
