We have all heard the phrase, "the weather outside is frightful." Extreme weather conditions causes extreme problems! We spend our days and nights just trying to keep our walks clear, our gutters running smoothly, and our roofs free from extreme snow loads. But it is also important not to forget to keep your GAS METER FREE FROM SNOW AND ICE!
Your GAS METER NEEDS TO VENT TO WORK PROPERLY. So do the VENTS TO YOUR GAS HOT WATER HEATER, FURNACE AND APPLIANCES. When they can't vent, they won't work causing you a fright you can do without! Who needs the additional headache of having your furnace or electricity not functioning when it is preventable with a few minutes time! When REMOVING SNOW from your meter, GENTLY BRUSH AWAY SNOW. DO NOT USE SHOVELS OR KICK YOUR METER as it could cause damage that could result in a gas leak! Also, remember that when large amounts of snow or ice fall on your meter from your roof, it can damage your meter.
ICE IS ALSO AN ENEMY TO YOUR GAS METER AND ELECTRIC METER. If your meters are encased in ice, call your utility company right away. They will come clear it for you. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REMOVE ICE YOURSELF. And remember, the utility service personnel will need a path to access your meters in deep snow.
If you should SUSPECT DAMAGE or hear a hissing sound and/or smell gas, CALL YOUR UTILITY COMPANY IMMEDIATELY FROM A PHONE AWAY FROM YOUR HOUSE. DO NOT GO INSIDE TO USE THE PHONE OR ANY OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICE. DO NOT TURN ON/OFF LIGHTS.
So, please take a few minutes to check your meters and pass this on to friends, family and clients! The old saying, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," certainly applies so you can stay warm and safe through these difficult weather conditions.
"Your Pullman Real Estate Connection"
About the Author: The above piece was provided as a community service by Lori Cofer, a local Pullman WA Real Estate Agent. Lori can be reached via email at loricofer@yahoo.com or by phone at 509-330-0086. Lori is happy to assist you in all your Pullman real estate and Moscow Real Estate needs. Lori is "Your Pullman WA Real Estate Connection!"
Looking for Moscow ID Real Estate?. Lori is happy to assist you in all your Pullman Washington Real Estate and Moscow Idaho Real Estate needs. Lori is "Your Moscow Idaho Real Estate Connection"
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Lots of good tips for dealing with snowy climates. We have had a nice breadk from the ice and snow and I am enjoying it! So are my arms for that matter.
Lori, good advice. We've been lucky to have warm weather lately, but I know that the cold is just around the corner again.
Joan: I can't wait for our break! We just seem to get pelted with storm after storm!
Vickie: Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Glad your weather is warm now. Just since the first day of winter we have had about 3 feet of snow followed by freezing rain and rain...and snow/rain forecasted every day for a week!
Thanks for the info, don't forget to check your car battery. If it's not fully charged, it could freeze in very cold weather. Yes, FREEZE. At zero degrees, it's only 50% effective. If you drive a lot of short trips, give it an extra 4 or 5 minutes at high idol to recharge the battery.
Kenneth: Thanks for stopping by and commenting. And thanks for the reciprocating tip! I will pass that one on to my family and friends! I absolutely hate getting stuck!!!