MINNEAPOLIS - With higher snow totals than in recent years affecting the Upper Midwest, and with another storm hitting the region, Xcel Energy urges natural gas customers to keep their gas meters free of ice and snow to prevent the potential for a dangerous natural gas pressure buildup in their homes.

The accumulation of ice and snow on or around natural gas meters can lead to a hazardous natural gas buildup inside a house or other buildings. Melting snow and ice on roofs and in trees can drip on meters, then refreeze, increasing the potential for a meter malfunction. Xcel Energy also recommends that appliance vents, often located on a home's roof, be kept clear in order to operate properly.

The natural gas meter's regulator vent is especially vulnerable to plugging any time there is a combination of snow and ice buildup and fluctuating temperatures. A plugged vent can adversely affect the operation of the gas pressure regulator, resulting in a potentially hazardous condition by preventing the flow of natural gas.  

Xcel Energy strongly recommends that customers very gently remove snow or ice from the gas meter and any associated piping and the roofline above the meter. Also check to ensure that melting snow or ice is not dripping on the meter from the roof or nearby trees, which can plug the vent if it refreezes.

It is also recommended that customers maintain a clean path to and from the meter to allow easy access in the event of an emergency. Carefully shovel around the meter and clear the meter itself by hand. Avoid using any sharp tool, shovels or snow blowers on or near the meter and piping.

Xcel Energy reminds snowplow operators to not plow snow into or around outside gas meters as this could damage the meters or piping, and possibly cause a dangerous situation.

Xcel Energy encourages annual inspections of natural gas appliances and venting systems as a key defense against carbon monoxide poisoning. With heavy snowfall, it's possible that your home's venting systems, such as an outdoor air intake vent to a fuel-burning appliance, can become packed with snow or ice.

It's also important to make sure that these vents are not clogged with debris such as leaves and birds' nests.

Carbon monoxide can develop if venting systems or appliances are not operating properly. Inspections are extremely important because they can determine and correct the source of a problem if one exists. Minnesota state law requires all homes and apartments to have carbon monoxide detectors within 10 feet of each bedroom.

Xcel Energy reminds natural gas customers that if they smell natural gas in their homes to leave the house immediately and to follow these other important safety precautions. Keep in mind that while most describe the smell of natural gas as bad, like rotten eggs or sulfur, it may smell differently to you.

• Don't turn lights on or off or use any other electrical switches, including garage door openers, under any circumstances.
• Don't open any windows or doors other than the ones you pass through on your way out.
• Don't use a cell phone or any other phone while still in the house; go to a neighbor's house or other safe place away from your home to call Xcel Energy's gas emergency number -- 1-800-895-2999 -- for help, or 911 in an emergency.
• Don't return to the home until a safety expert such as a utility company employee or firefighter says it's safe to do so.

If you smell, see (dirt or debris blowing in the air) or hear (hissing to a roar) natural gas escaping outside, quickly move upwind from the area then call for help following the guidance above.

Before removing snow from rooftops or trees, always first look up to find any overhead power line and then keep yourself and any tool you're using a minimum of 10 feet away.  Assume all power lines are energized and therefore dangerous.

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