LAWRENCE COUNTY— As the region digs out from the latest winter storm, CenterPoint Energy is issuing a critical reminder: that picturesque blanket of snow could be hiding a serious safety hazard right against your house.
While the clouds have cleared, the combination of heavy accumulation and wind-driven drifts poses a lingering risk to home energy systems. Blocked natural gas meters and appliance vents don’t just cause service interruptions—they can lead to life-threatening carbon monoxide buildup or gas leaks.
To keep your household safe and warm as temperatures remain low, experts recommend five essential steps for post-storm maintenance:
1. Gentle Clearing
Avoid the temptation to kick or bang on the meter to dislodge ice. Use a soft broom or brush to gently sweep snow off the meter body, piping, and pressure regulator. Mechanical stress can damage the delicate components inside.
2. Shovel with Care
When clearing a path, stick to manual hand shoveling near your utility equipment. Heavy machinery like snow blowers or plows can easily strike and rupture gas lines.
3. Clear the Exhaust Vents
Modern high-efficiency furnaces and water heaters often vent through the side of the house rather than the roof. If these vents become buried in a snowbank, exhaust gases—including carbon monoxide—can back up into your living space. Ensure all plastic intake and exhaust pipes are completely unobstructed.
4. Look Upward
Heavy icicles forming on roof eaves can act as frozen projectiles. Check the area directly above your gas meter and safely remove any hanging ice that could fall and crush the unit or its connecting pipes.
5. Maintain a Path
In the event of an emergency, technicians or first responders need immediate access to your shut-off valves. Keeping a clear walking path to your meter ensures they can act quickly if a leak is detected.
If you smell a “rotten egg” odor, hear a hissing sound near your meter, or see blowing dirt in the snow, leave the area immediately and call your local emergency services or gas provider.
By taking a few minutes to clear your equipment today, you ensure your heating system runs efficiently and safely through the rest of the season. For more information on managing your home during the freeze, residents are encouraged to consult the Winter Energy Guide.
