UGI urges safe snow-clearing practices in wake of storm

UGI Utilities is urging residents to follow safe practices while clearing snow and ice.

The company is reminding residence of the importance of clearing any accumulation of snow or ice from the outside vents of your furnace or other natural gas appliances. This allows air flow necessary for safe operation. Blocked vents can lead to a dangerous build-up of carbon monoxide inside your dwelling. A foul odor in your home may indicate that a vent is blocked.

If the snow is deep, clear the area around the gas meter, providing a path for UGI personnel who may require access. Please work carefully around your gas meter. Keep snow blowers or other powered equipment and snowplows away from the gas meter.

UGI is reminding residents that it adds an odorant, which smells like rotten eggs, to natural gas to help you detect a gas leak. If you smell natural gas, leave the building immediately, taking everyone with you. Do not use the phone, light a match, or switch anything on or off. Leave the door open, and once clear of the area, call UGI from your cell phone or neighbor’s home. UGI’s emergency response number is 1-800-276-2722. UGI will send a service technician to investigate the odor immediately.

UGI Utilities Inc. is a natural gas and electric utility that serves 690,000 customers in 44 Pennsylvania counties. Customers and community members can visit the UGI website at www.ugi.com.