The Technical Standards and Safety Authority issued an advisory yesterday to remind homeowners to check their gas meters and external exhaust outlets for a build up of snow and ice.
They say that vents from such things as furnaces, fireplaces, water heaters and other fuel burning devices need to be checked as soon as possible with a forecast of rain and refreeze forecast tonight.
They add that a gas meter covered in snow or ice can impede it’s function of controlling the pressure of gas supplied to a home, and blocking of exhaust vents can cause the carbon monoxide emitted by appliances to build up in a home.
They also remind not to shovel, plow or blow snow up against a gas meter or vent pipe, be careful not to bump either with a snow blower, never kick a gas meter in an attempt to clear it and always remove any icicles from overhead eavestrough to ensure dripping water doesn’t freeze a meter or vent pipe.
