Colder temperatures can mean a rising risk of natural gas problems | Iowa | kimt.com

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MADISON, Wisconsin – Alliant Energy is issuing some tips on natural gas safety during winter.

“Safety is our top priority,” says Adam Marxen, manager of gas integrity and standards for Alliant Energy. “As customers begin to turn on their furnaces to stay warm as temperatures drop, there are some precautions they can take to keep their families and communities safe.”

1. Know the signs of a gas leak and what to do.

Signs include an odor like rotten eggs; a hiss, roar or whistle near a gas appliance, meter or pipeline; or blowing dirt, bubbling water or discolored vegetation in an otherwise green area. Leave the premises immediately. From a safe location, call 911.

Symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath, headaches, confusion, nausea and fainting can also be signs a furnace or gas appliance has malfunctioned and exposed you to natural gas or carbon monoxide. Leave the premises immediately. From a safe location, call 911.

2. Install carbon monoxide and natural gas detectors.

Detectors help identify odorless threats like carbon monoxide and are especially important for those with a known loss of smell. Additionally, certain soil conditions can strip the rotten egg odorant out of natural gas, making it more challenging to detect without proper equipment. If your natural gas detector goes off, move quickly to a safe location and call Alliant Energy at 1-800-255-4268.

“We urge customers to install natural gas and carbon monoxide detectors for greater security,” says Marxen. “Customers should replace batteries regularly and get into a routine of practicing their emergency plans annually.”

3. Prevent snow and ice from blocking gas vents.

Once winter arrives, snow and ice can damage gas meters and pipes. Use a broom to keep gas service equipment clear. You must clear vents for gas appliances following a major snow or ice storm to enable proper venting and prevent carbon monoxide accumulation.

4. Dig safely.

In addition to increased potential gas and carbon monoxide risks when the weather turns cooler, there’s also an increased risk of gas pipeline damage as homeowners rush to finish yardwork. Digging incidents are the most common cause of underground natural gas leaks. If you plan to dig, including constructing a fire pit, visit call811.com at least three days ahead of time. This will initiate a free process for utilities to locate and mark underground lines so you can dig safely.

Even minor damage to a gas pipeline such as nicks, scratches, cuts, scrapes, dents and gouges can result in pipeline failure or a major incident in the future if not properly assessed. Call Alliant Energy at 1-800-ALLIANT if your digging equipment or tools contact underground pipelines.

Never place a fire pit above a buried line. If the fire gets too hot, it could cause the gas pipeline below to leak or melt.

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