Natural Gas Safety Tips on staying safe this winter

Any fuel-burning appliance produces carbon monoxide (CO) — a colorless, odorless gas — as a by-product of combustion. A properly working furnace vents it safely outside. The danger comes when that venting is blocked or combustion goes wrong. In winter, the most common cause is snow or ice covering the intake and exhaust pipes. This is especially true of modern high-efficiency furnaces, which vent through low PVC pipes on an exterior wall; even a few inches of drifting snow can block them, force exhaust back toward the furnace, and either trip a safety shutdown or allow CO to accumulate indoors.

What you can do:

• After every snowfall, make sure your exterior intake and exhaust pipes are clear of snow and ice — keep about 2–3 feet of space around each vent.
• Test CO and smoke detectors monthly and replace the batteries on schedule. Install a CO alarm on every level and outside each sleeping area.
• Know the early symptoms of CO poisoning — headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue — which are easily mistaken for the flu. If your alarm sounds or you feel these symptoms, get everyone outside to fresh air immediately and call 911.

Snow and ice can interfere with your gas meter and pressure regulator, and can slow an emergency crew's access to them. Ice on the regulator can even block it, causing gas-flow problems or a leak, and falling ice or snow sliding off a roof can strike and damage the meter, risking a release.

What you can do:

• Clear snow from meters and regulators gently, with your hand or a broom — never a shovel, ice pick or other sharp tool, which can damage the assembly and cause a leak.
• When shoveling or using a snow blower, direct snow away from the meter and vent pipes.
• Watch for overhead ice: safely clear buildup from roofs and eaves above the meter, or lean a sturdy board over the meter for protection. For hard-to-reach roof accumulation, call a professional.

Like any combustion appliance, a natural gas furnace needs regular maintenance and clearance to run safely:

• Vacuum and sweep around the furnace regularly to keep flammable dust and lint away.
• Keep children's toys and play areas away from the furnace — pillows, blankets and toys can fall onto a hot surface and ignite.
• Keep wet clothes at least 3 feet from the furnace, and store all combustible liquids away from any heat source.
• Check the burner flame: it should be steady and blue. A yellow or flickering flame can signal incomplete combustion — and higher CO — so call a qualified technician.
• Schedule an annual professional inspection of the furnace, heat exchanger and venting before heating season.