During the winter months, snow and ice can damage your natural gas meter and appliance vents or cause them to malfunction. Read our tips to keep things running smooth and safe.

Keep natural gas meters clear of snow and ice

• Gently brush away an snow or ice that has accumulated around the meter, vents and any other outdoor piping.
• Clear the snow or ice using a broom or by hand, not with a shovel.
• When plowing, snow blowing or shoveling, do not push or pile snow around your meter.
• Clear a path to your meter so Jo-Carroll Energy employees can access it.

Keep outdoor vents clear of snow and ice

• Keep the air intake and exhaust pipes for your furnace clear.
• All outdoor appliance vents should be cleared of snow and ice.
• A clogged vent may cause your appliance to shut down or malfunction and create a hazardous situation, such as a build-up of carbon monoxide.
• If you're using a snow blower, be careful not to direct the snow toward these pipes. If shoveling, don't pile snow near these pipes.

Watch for falling snow or ice near your meter

• Be aware of the locations of utility meters when removing snow and ice from your roof.
• Falling snow and ice can cause serious damage to your natural gas meter.