Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania : offers winter safety tips

For Immediate Release
January 22, 2016
Jennifer DuBois
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[e-mail]

CANONSBURG, Pa. - As the region prepares for the first winter storm of the season, Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania is reminding customers of important safety tips during snowy and icy conditions.

'The safety and comfort of customers is very important to us at Columbia Gas, especially during these cold winter days. We ask that everyone check on your families and neighbors, particularly those who are elderly or need special attention,' said Mark Kempic, President of Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania. For more safety tips and information visit www.ColumbiaGasPa.com.

To avoid safety hazards associated with their natural gas delivery, customers should:

1. Keep your natural gas meter clear of snow and ice.

• Make sure your natural gas meter is visible at all times and accessible for maintenance and emergency responders including Columbia Gas service personnel, meter readers and firefighters.
• Never let snow completely cover your meter.
• Don't shovel snow up against your natural gas meter.
• Where possible, use a broom instead of a shovel to clear snow away from the natural gas meter.
• Don't use a snow blower or plow near your natural gas meter.
• Never kick or hit the gas meter or its piping to break away built-up snow or ice. Remove the snow or ice with your hands.
• If your gas meter is completely encased in ice, or if you think there's a potential problem with the piping or equipment, call our 24-hour emergency line at 1-888-460-4332.

2. Keep air supply ducts and vents clear.

• Keep vents unobstructed and free of debris. Some direct-vent and high-efficiency appliances have side wall vents and air intakes that could become obstructed during heavy snow fall.
• Gas equipment requires air for safe combustion and venting of appliances.
• Know where your air supply ducts are and keep them free of snow and ice.
• Check that your chimney or roof vent is clear.

3. Keep your eaves and gutters clear.

• Remove icicles hanging from eaves or gutters.
• Protect your natural gas meter from dripping water that could freeze on the meter and piping.

Why is it so important to keep your meter clear?

• Accumulated snow places stress on your natural gas meter piping and damage to the piping can cause a gas leak.
• In case of emergency, emergency response crews need clear access to your meter.
• Blocked vents might create abnormal pressure, affect appliance operation, and interrupt service.

Crews are available 24/7 to assist customers in priority situations. As always, if customers smell natural gas at any time, they should leave the area and call Columbia Gas at 1-888-460-4332.

About Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania

Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania delivers clean, affordable, and efficient natural gas to approximately 421,000 customers. With headquarters in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, it is one of NiSource's seven regulated utility companies. NiSource (NYSE: NI) is one of the largest fully-regulated utility companies in the United States, serving approximately 3.5 million natural gas customers and 500,000 electric customers through its local Columbia Gas and NIPSCO brands. More information about Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania and NiSource is available at www.ColumbiaGasPA.com andwww.nisource.com.

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