Elizabethtown Gas advises customers to clear snow from natural gas metersFebruary 9, 2010
Union, N.J. – February 9, 2010 – As the Northeast braces for another winter storm on the heels of Saturday’s blizzard, Elizabethtown Gas advises customers to implement a few simple natural gas safety tips to prevent potential problems.
“The safety and comfort of our customers, employees and the general public are our top priority,” said Don Carter, Vice President, Elizabethtown Gas. “Although outdoor natural gas meters are designed to withstand winter weather, those packed in snow or ice could experience a temporary interruption of service.”
To help avoid these types of problems, customers are advised to take the following steps:
- Keep your natural gas meter clear of ice and snow
- Remove the snow or ice with your hands or use a broom to brush snow away
- Never kick or hit your natural gas meter or its piping with a hammer or other hard object to break away built up snow or ice
- Make sure your natural gas meter is visible at all times and accessible for maintenance and emergency responders
- Keep natural gas vents clear, unobstructed and free of debris. Some direct-vent and high-efficiency appliances have direct side wall outdoor vents and air intakes that could become obstructed during heavy snowfall
Customers should call the Elizabethtown Gas hotline at 1-800-492-4009 if they smell natural gas or believe they have a natural gas leak.
In the event a home loses power, customers are advised to use alternate heating sources sparingly and safely to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, tasteless non-corrosive gas created whenever combustion takes place without sufficient oxygen.
Customers are advised to adhere to the following safety tips to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:
- Make certain all fuel-burning equipment (coal, wood, natural gas, propane, pellet stoves, kerosene and fuel oil) is installed, inspected and operating properly
- Hire a professional to install all fuel-burning appliances, including ovens, stoves and clothes dryers
- Do not cut off or restrict air sources to appliances
- Provide adequate indoor ventilation when using fireplaces or unvented space heaters
- Open garage doors before starting vehicles
- Purchase or make certain carbon monoxide detectors are operating properly
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may include headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, irregular breathing, ringing in the ears, seeing spots, feeling ill or tired at home but feeling fine away from home, as well as loss of consciousness and respiratory failure.
If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, leave the home immediately and call 911.
About Elizabethtown Gas
Elizabethtown Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of AGL Resources (NYSE: AGL), provides natural gas delivery service to approximately 273,000 residential, business and industrial natural gas customers in New Jersey. In operation since 1855, the company serves parts of Union, Middlesex, Sussex, Warren, Hunterdon, Morris and Mercer counties. For more information, visit www.elizabethtowngas.com
About AGL Resources
AGL Resources (NYSE: AGL), an Atlanta-based energy services company, serves approximately 2.3 million customers in six states. The company also owns Houston-based Sequent Energy Management, an asset manager serving natural gas wholesale customers throughout North America. As an 85-percent owner in the SouthStar partnership, AGL Resources markets natural gas to consumers in Georgia under the Georgia Natural Gas brand. The company also owns and operates Jefferson Island Storage & Hub, a high-deliverability natural gas storage facility near the Henry Hub in Louisiana. For more information, visit www.aglresources.com.
Contact: Tami Gerke
Cell: 404-558-2307
tgerke@aglresources.com