Stow: Important Winter Natural Gas Safety Tips From Dominion Energy Ohio

Press release from the City of Stow:

February 09, 2021

By Kristin Spicer

Important Winter Natural Gas Safety Tips From Dominion Energy Ohio

Keep Metering Equipment and Vents Clear

Although Dominion Energy owns and maintains the gas meter, it is the customer’s responsibility to provide clear access to the meter and associated metering equipment, and to keep it free from obstructions, including snow, ice, and shrubs. Snow and ice can damage metering equipment, and it is the customer’s responsibility to keep the metering equipment clear. Ice, icicles, or water dripping on the meter could prevent safe and efficient operation of the meter and create a potentially hazardous situation. Icicles should be removed from overhead eaves and gutters to prevent dripping water from splashing and freezing on the metering equipment or appliance vents. Snow or ice can block the side wall vents of gas appliances; customers must keep those clear.

Customers should remove any snow and ice from the meter and/or piping by hand. Care should be taken not to strike or otherwise damage the metering equipment while removing the ice and snow. Likewise, DO NOT plow or pile snow up against or on the gas metering equipment, as well as any of the company’s equipment buildings. In an emergency, company personnel must be able to access metering equipment at all times.

Dominion Energy Provides 24-Hour Emergency Service

If there is an odor of natural gas in or around the premises, leave the premises and immediately call Dominion Energy, toll-free, at 1-877-542-2630. The company provides 24-hour emergency service year-round. Dominion Energy also considers it an emergency if none of a customer’s natural gas appliances are working.

When there is a gas odor, Dominion Energy advises customers:

• DO NOT remain in the house or building.
• DO NOT attempt to locate the gas leak.
• DO NOT open windows.
• DO NOT use telephones or cell phones.
• DO NOT turn any electrical switches, appliances or lights on or off, or unplug electrical appliances.
• DO NOT smoke or use lighters, matches or other open flames.

Annual Inspection Helps Provide Maximum Safety, Prevent Carbon Monoxide Issues

Dominion Energy Ohio reminds customers that an annual gas heating system inspection — by a qualified, reputable heating contractor — can ensure that they receive maximum winter safety, comfort and efficiency. An annual appliance inspection is the best way to prevent any potential carbon monoxide (CO) problems.

CO detectors provide a second line of defense, but they should not be used as a substitute for an annual furnace inspection. Combined with an annual inspection, however, a single CO detector, placed in the sleeping area of a home, offers additional peace of mind. Natural gas appliances are typically very safe to use. But, a malfunctioning appliance can create carbon monoxide gas, which can be deadly. CO is produced when natural gas, propane or other fossil fuels, fail to burn completely. CO is a toxic gas which combines with the body’s blood and prevents it from absorbing oxygen. CO exposure produces flu-like symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, confusion or irritability at low levels and vomiting, drowsiness and loss of consciousness, or even death, at high levels.

If customers suspect CO, they should:

• Get everyone out of the house and go outside.
• Seek medical attention.
• Call the fire department or dial 9-1-1, especially if someone has been overcome by CO.
• Identify and correct the source of the CO

Customers should use natural gas appliances according to manufacturers’ specifications. Three warning signs of incomplete combustion can indicate that a gas appliance is emitting CO long before hazardous CO levels can build up:

1. Excessive, unexplained moisture: Water vapor is a product of natural gas combustion. If the chimney is blocked, excessive water will accumulate on walls and windows.
2. Soot build-up: Black carbon will accumulate on ceilings and walls, blackening the front of a fireplace and the front door of a furnace.
3. A strong, obnoxious odor: Improperly burning natural gas will give off aldehydes. Although CO is odorless in its pure form, it usually is associated with aldehydes, which have an odor similar to automobile exhaust.

About Dominion Energy
More than 7 million customers in 16 states energize their homes and businesses with electricity or natural gas from Dominion Energy (NYSE: D), headquartered in Richmond, Va. The company is committed to sustainable, reliable, affordable and safe energy and to achieving net zero carbon dioxide and methane emissions from its power generation and gas infrastructure operations by 2050. Please visit DominionEnergy.com to learn more.

This press release was produced by the City of Stow.The views expressed here are the author’s own.