By Shannon Lukens.
Make sure your gas meter and your regulator is cleared. Snow on the roof above the meter also needs to be cleared so it doesn’t fall on the meter and cause a leak or a fire. Atmos Energy says take a broom and brush it off. If you do smell natural gas, call 911 and leave the area.
Here is the full press release from the City of Steamboat Springs; Feb. 9, 2023.
Don’t Pass Your Gas Meter Up During Winter — Keep Meter & Regulator Clear and Protected from Falling Ice and Snow
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-February 9, 2023-With all the snow this winter across the Yampa Valley, homeowners have been worried about clearing their driveways, sidewalks, roofs, and vehicles, but there is another home feature that needs similar attention – your natural gas/propane meter.
“Snow and ice accumulation on or near the gas meter or on the roof above a meter can lead to potentially dangerous conditions,” said Fire Marshal Doug Shaffer. “Some of our more significant calls have been in response to ice or snow falling on a gas or propane meter and the resulting leak or fire.”
Gas meters have a vent that regulates the pressure, but it has to be unobstructed to work properly. As the snow piles up it’s important to keep the regulator and the path
to the meter clear. In addition, if your meter is in the path of falling ice/snow, consider protecting it. Icicles, roof slides and ice damns should be eliminated from impacting your meter.
The simplest way to clear snow around the meter is to take a broom, your hands or the car brush and gently clear the snow. If you must use a shovel, use extreme caution around all equipment. Do not attempt to remove snow or ice by kicking or hitting equipment. If you notice any buildup that cannot be removed easily, contact your provider.
Natural gas in its original form has no smell or color. That’s why a ‘rotten egg’ or skunk-like odor is added to make people aware if gas is leaking. If you ever smell natural gas, leave the area immediately and tell others to leave, too. Some additional tips from Atmos Energy:
• Leave the area immediately
• Call 911 and your gas provider emergency number (Atmos 866.322.8667)
• Do not turn on or off any electric switch; this could cause a spark, igniting the gas
• Do not use a cell phone, telephone or garage door opener, doorbell or even a flashlight
• Do not smoke, use a lighter or strike a match
• Do not start or stop a nearby vehicle or machinery
• Do not try to shut off a natural gas value
-WeServeTheCity