Columbia Gas offers the following tips to help customers stay safe and warm during the cold months ahead.
Inside your home
•Space heaters can provide comfort but should be used with caution. When using, ensure they are placed on a hard, non-flammable surface away from furniture and flammable materials/products.
•Ensure appliances and heating equipment–such as a furnace, water heater and stove–are inspected and operating properly. All equipment should be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
•Never use a stove or oven as a heat source in your home; ovens are designed to heat food and should only be operated with the door closed.
•Don’t burn charcoal or run a generator indoors or in enclosed spaces.
•Clean your chimney and check for blockage at least once a year before using your fireplace.
Outside your home
•Remember to clear snow and ice from your intake and exhaust vents. This can help you avoid carbon monoxide buildup and operational issues with your appliances.
•Keep your meter visible at all times so it is accessible for maintenance or in an emergency.
•Don’t use a shovel or hammer to break up snow or ice on your meter. Use a broom instead.
•Be careful using a snow blower or plow near your meter.
Concerned there may be a gas leak or carbon monoxide (CO) danger?
•If a customer smells the “rotten egg” odor or thinks there may be a gas leak, they should stop what they are doing, leave the area immediately and call 911 and Columbia Gas at 800-344-4077.
•Those who have concerns of CO build-up or are experiencing CO poisoning symptoms including headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, irregular breathing or feeling ill or tired at home but fine when away, should go outside immediately and call 911.
•CO is an odorless, tasteless, non-corrosive gas created when fuels (such as gasoline, wood, natural gas, propane or oil) burn incompletely.
For more winter weather and gas safety tips, visit columbiagasohio.com/safety/ weather-safety/winter-weath er-safety.
