BROOKLYN/HICKSVILLE NY – National Grid is closely monitoring the impending arrival of snowfall and the potential for moderate flooding across the region and the impact it may have on the energy system. While the company doesn’t anticipate any issues with its gas system, it is reminding customers of ways to prepare and stay safe.

As customers dig out their homes and businesses, it’s important to note that deep snowpack and additional snow left by snow removal equipment may clog vents to furnaces and other appliances. In addition, many roofs may become laden with ice and snow overhanging natural gas equipment. Both conditions can cause safety hazards.

The following are important safety tips:

Natural Gas Safety Tips

In the interest of the customer and public safety, National Grid crews continually test, repair, and improve the natural gas energy delivery system. Natural gas is odorless, but National Grid adds an odorant called mercaptan, which has a strong odor similar to that of rotten eggs so that customers can detect any natural gas leaks.

If customers suspect a natural gas leak:

• Get Out – All occupants should leave the house immediately. Do not use the telephone or light switches for any reason.
• Call – After leaving the house and reaching a safe environment, call 911 or the National Grid 24-hour gas emergency number for Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island at 718-643-4050, on Long Island and the Rockaway Peninsula call 1-800-490-0045 or call 911.
• Stay Out – Do not return to your home until National Grid tells you it is safe.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Safety & Prevention

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless gas that can be deadly if left undetected. It is the byproduct of the incomplete burning of fuels such as natural gas, butane, propane, wood, coal, heating oil, kerosene, and gasoline. Common sources of CO include malfunctioning forced-air furnaces, kerosene space heaters, natural gas ranges, wood stoves, fireplaces, and motor vehicle engines. During the heating season when windows and doors are tightly shut, fresh air is sealed out, creating the potential for CO to build up over time. National Grid recommends that customers install a government-approved home CO detector on every floor of their home.

The symptoms of CO poisoning are similar to those of the flu. Depending on the amount of CO in the air and length of exposure, symptoms may include headaches, weakness, confusion, chest tightness, skin redness, dizziness, nausea, sleepiness, fluttering of the heart, or loss of muscle control.

If you suspect CO is present in your home, go outside immediately and call 911. Do not return to your home until the source of CO is found.

The following are some CO prevention tips:

• Arrange for an annual check of your heating system by a licensed professional heating contractor.
• Check chimneys or flues for debris, bird nests, or other blockages, and have them cleaned periodically.
• Be sure space heaters and wood stoves are in good condition, have adequate ventilation, and are used in strict compliance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• NEVER use a gas range for heating or burn coal or charcoal in an enclosed space.
• Open windows do not provide sufficient ventilation to safely operate a generator indoors. If you use a back-up generator to supply power during outages, be sure to operate it outdoors.
• An accumulation of snow could block vents for furnaces, hot water heaters, and other appliances causing CO to back up into a building and result in CO poisoning for those inside. Be sure vents are clear of snow and ice, so they can operate properly.
• National Grid will respond immediately to all CO-related calls for all natural gas customers within its service area – even if customers purchase natural gas from an alternative gas supplier or marketer. However, the company recommends always call 911 first. Click here for New York City and Long Island natural gas safety information.

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