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Seasonal Yardwork and Gas Meter Safety

Stay safe and avoid damaging gas meters and pipes

In Warm Weather

Do

  • Do maintain a clear path to your meter so first responders can access it in an emergency
  • Do keep gas meters and piping free from leaves, mulch and shrubs
  • Do be careful when digging or raking around your meter

Don't

  • Don't plant shrubs directly in front of the meter
  • Don't build decking or fencing that blocks access to the meter
  • Don't hit your gas meter with a lawnmower or weed whacker
  • Don't tether your pet or let children play on any natural gas equipment

In Cold Weather

Do

  • Do clear a path to the meter so first responders can access it in an emergency
  • Do clear gas meters and piping of snow and ice carefully with a broom or by hand
  • Do clear chimneys and vents after a major snow or ice storm

Don't

  • Do not shovel snow or ice against the meter or vent pipe
  • Do not use your gas stove as a heating source
  • Don't let icicles form overhead. Remove icicles to assure dripping water does not freeze on the meter or vent pipes

Year-Round Tips

  • Don't stack flammable items near furnaces, water heaters, stoves or clothes dryers. Flammables include paper, wood, cleaning fluid, glue, gasoline, propane, varnish paints, curtains or rags.
  • Don't hang anything, including clothing, from gas piping. Any amount of added weight, even the small amount from wet clothes, can weaken or damage the equipment. 
  • Schedule regular checkups of your home heating system.
More natural gas appliance safety