NorthWestern Corporation : NorthWestern Energy Issues Safety Reminder for Natural Gas Customers
January 19, 2012 at 12:31 pm
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NorthWestern Energy Issues Safety Reminder for
Natural Gas Customers
Butte, Mont. - Jan. 19, 2012 - As
many Montana communities continue digging out
from a heavy winter snow storm, NorthWestern
Energy is cautioning natural gas customers to
pay special attention to appliance exhaust
vents and outside meters.
NorthWestern's gas servicemen have been busy
overnight and this morning responding to
"no-heat" calls caused by blocked appliance
vents. In addition to a loss of heat, blocked
appliance vents could cause a buildup of deadly
carbon monoxide in the structure.
Outdoor natural gas meters and equipment are
designed to withstand Montana's winter weather
conditions. However, heavy buildup 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, may disrupt the flow of natural gas or
create a potentially dangerous situation inside
the structure.
If your home has an outside natural gas meter,
check it routinely for accumulation of ice or
snow. Look for your natural gas appliance vents
- which often are on the roof - to ensure they
are clear of snow. Also remember that clearing
snow and ice from meters or vents needs to be
done carefully and gently to avoid damaging the
equipment.
It at any time if you smell a strong and
persistent odor similar to sulfur or rotten
eggs, leave your home immediately and
absolutely avoid using any electric appliances
such as light switches, garage door openers and
phones-including a cell phone. When you are at
a safe distance, call NorthWestern Energy at
(888) 467-2669 or 911 to report the concern.
Stay away from the building until someone from
the utility or a first responder tells you it's
safe.
Unlike natural gas, carbon monoxide is
odorless and may be present when a fuel is not
burned completely due to inadequate combustion
air or when exhaust vents become clogged.
Carbon monoxide symptoms include headache,
nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and confusion. If
you suspect carbon monoxide may be present,
seek fresh air immediately and call
NorthWestern
Energy.
Other safety reminders include:
Ensure your natural gas meter is 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. If ice or excessive snow has encased
your meter, contact NorthWestern Energy at
(888) 467-2669.
Never kick or hit your natural gas meter or
its piping with a hammer or other hard object
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.
If you have a seasonal property or are away
on vacation, ask someone to check your
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.
About NorthWestern Energy
NorthWestern Energy provides electricity and
natural gas in the Upper Midwest and Northwest,
serving approximately 665,000 customers in
Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska. More
information on NorthWestern Energy is available
on the Company's Web site at .
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NorthWestern Energy Group, Inc., doing business as NorthWestern Energy, provides essential energy infrastructure and valuable services. The Company operates through two segments: electric utility operations and natural gas utility operations. The electric utility operations segment includes the generation, purchase, transmission and distribution of electricity. The natural gas utility operations segment includes the production, purchase, transmission, storage, and distribution of natural gas. It provides electricity and / or natural gas to approximately 775,300 customers in Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Yellowstone National Park. Its operations in Montana and Yellowstone National Park are conducted through its subsidiary, NorthWestern Corporation, and its operations in South Dakota and Nebraska are conducted through its subsidiary, NorthWestern Energy Public Service Corporation. Its customer base consists of a mix of residential, commercial, and diversified industrial customers.