Take These Safety Precautions to Help Protect Natural Gas Meters, Pipes and Outside Vents from Heavy Snow and Ice

Winter Weather Preparedness: Caring for Your Gas Meter, Vents and Pipes

With significant snow in the forecast, keep this safety reminder in mind. Once the storm passes and the snow settles, be sure to take care of your #naturalgas meter.

Here’s some tips:

🧹 Gently brush off #snow with a broom.

⚠️ Keep vents and pipes clear of snow, ice and debris.

🚫 Carefully remove ice hanging above your meter.

It’s important to keep your meter clear and unobstructed at all times.

NJNG encourages customers to:

Gently remove snow and ice from natural gas meters, pipes and outside vents using a broom or “gloved” hands.

Avoid using shovels, sharp tools or force to remove snow and ice from meter and pipes, helping prevent equipment damage or unsafe conditions.

Ensure meters and outside vents remain visible and accessible at all times to allow easy access by NJNG employees and first responders in case of an emergency.

Check outside appliance vents — including those for high efficiency furnaces, water heaters and dryers — to prevent blockages that can lead to carbon monoxide (CO) buildup.

CO is an invisible, odorless gas that if left undetected can build to dangerous levels in a home or business. Know the warning signs of CO poisoning: headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue and symptoms that improve when exposed to fresh air. If the CO alarm sounds or CO poisoning is suspected, residents should get fresh air immediately and call 911 from a safe location. Then call the New Jersey Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222 and NJNG at 800-221-0051.