We Energies: Remember to keep natural gas meters, vents clear of snow, ice

MILWAUKEE --  We Energies is reminding customers to avoid the dangers of snow and ice buildup on exhaust vents and natural gas meters. These areas often are overlooked when buried under several inches of snow.

Keeping furnace intake and exhaust vents clear of snow and ice is an important safety precaution to prevent build up of carbon monoxide inside homes and buildings. A blocked vent also can affect the performance of the furnace, which may not run properly or at all when the intake or exhaust vent is blocked.

As for natural gas meters, you may not think about that often, but We Energies is asking that you keep your meter clear of snow and ice for safety. Accumulated snow and ice place stress on meter piping, which can damage equipment and cause a gas leak.

Keeping the meter clear also allows We Energies employees to properly service the meter in case of emergency and keeps it visible to snowplows when those meters are in close proximity to alleys or other areas subject to plowing.

To avoid meter problems: