A warning for dwelling owners and property managers from Fire Chief Jason Whiteley and North Bay Fire and Emergency Services.
Due to the heavy snowfalls that we have received in North Bay and area, NBFES is reminding the public it is imperative to keep snow and ice from building up and covering your gas meter and the external exhaust outlets for furnaces, fireplaces, water heaters and clothes dryers.
Plugged external exhaust vents can cause the carbon monoxide emitted from fuel-burning appliances to build up in your home, which is a serious safety hazard. Carbon monoxide is an odourless, colourless, tasteless gas which is very toxic. A gas meter covered in snow or ice can impede its function of controlling the pressure of the gas supplied to your home, which could lead to serious risks.
“Clearing snow and ice away from the gas meter and the external exhaust outlets for your natural gas burning equipment helps ensure that both the meter and your appliances function safely,” said Whiteley. “It also allows us or the gas company access to the meter in the case of an emergency.”
If you notice your meter or external appliance vent pipe is covered with snow, please remove the snow carefully with either a brush or broom. Do not scrape your meter or vent pipe with a sharp instrument and this may cause unintended damage. Other safety precautions include:
- Do not shovel, plow or blow snow up against the meter or vent
- Be careful not to bump your meter with a snow blower
- Never kick your gas meter or vent pipes in an attempt to clear ice and snow
- Remove any icicles from overhead eaves to ensure dripping water does not splash and freeze on the meter or vent pipe
