Trending
Keep a close eye on natural gas meter during wiIt's probably a safe assumption that most people don't give their natural gas meters a lot of thought during the winter heating months.
And why should they? It just sits there, quietly keeping track of the amount of natural gas one uses, information that is, of course, reported to the gas company.
One of the largest natural gas providers in Michigan -- Semco Energy Gas Company, which distributes to more than 300,000 customers statewide -- wants residents to start paying attention to their gas meters.
Why? Because during periods of heavy snow or when clearing roofs of snow, the meters must be kept clear of snow or ice due to safety concerns.
Here are a handful of ways suggested by Semco to help protect gas meter equipment as well as gas appliances to avoid a potentially hazardous situation or service disruption:
-- Never allow snow or ice to cover your natural gas meter or the pressure regulator or block your appliance exhaust vents.
-- Please use caution when shoveling snow, plowing or snow blowing to avoid piling snow against the natural gas meter, regulator or appliance vents.
-- Remove soft snow build-up gently, using only a broom or your hand rather than a shovel that could damage the meter.
-- Do not try to remove ice or frozen snow from the natural gas meter pressure regulator or piping. If you find your meter or pressure regulator covered in ice or frozen snow, do not attempt to remove the ice or use de-icer. Contact the gas company for assistance.
Be safe, be smart and do things the right way.
-- The Mining Journal, Marquette