NorthWestern warns customers to be safe with snow and natural gas

Havre Daily News Staff

NorthWestern Energy issued a release Wednesday telling people that with the heavy snow and drifting snow — that led to Gov. Steve Bullock declaring emergencies Tuesday in several areas including the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation — they need to be careful with natural gas.

Deep and blowing snow can block heating and appliance exhaust vents, which can cause equipment to malfunction, resulting in a loss of heat or possibly a build-up of deadly carbon monoxide in homes and businesses, the release said.

Outdoor natural gas meters and equipment are designed to withstand winter weather conditions, but heavy build-up of snow or ice, icicles falling from building eaves, or water dripping from a roof and freezing on a natural gas meter or appliance vent can disrupt the flow of natural gas or create a potentially dangerous situation inside the structure.

Customers are responsible for keeping ice and snow from damaging utility meters, the release said.

People whose homes have a natural gas meter should carefully remove an accumulation of ice or snow on top of or around the meter, the release said. They also should look for their natural gas appliance vents – which often are on the roof – to ensure they are clear of snow.

People also need to remember that clearing snow and ice from meters or vents needs to be done carefully to avoid damaging the equipment, the release adds.

If at any time someone smells a strong and persistent odor similar to rotten eggs, they should leave their home immediately and avoid using any electric appliances such as light switches, garage door openers and phones, including a cellphone. When at a safe distance away, they should call NorthWestern Energy or 911 to report the odor. They should stay away from the building until someone from the energy company or a first responder tells them it is safe.

Unlike natural gas, which has an added chemical so people can smell it, carbon monoxide is odorless and may be present when a fuel is not burned completely due to inadequate combustion or when exhaust vents become clogged. Carbon monoxide symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and confusion.

Other safety reminders include:

• Ensure natural gas meters are visible at all times and accessible for maintenance and emergency responders.

• Avoid using a snow blower near a meter to keep from burying the meter with snow.

• Gently remove the snow or ice around the meter with your hands or use a broom to brush it away.

• Never kick or hit a natural gas meter or its piping with a hammer or other hard object in order to dislodge snow or ice.

• 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. Other vents may be on the roof.

• People who have a seasonal property or are away on vacation should ask someone to check their natural gas meters and vents, especially after a significant storm. A covered meter, in addition to being potentially dangerous, can disrupt service leading to loss of heat to the structure.

In Montana, customers should call 1-888-467-2669 if they suspect a natural gas leak, meter damage or have other concerns about their utility service.