Chattanooga Gas Shares Winter Safety Tips
Chattanooga Gas is offering tips to locals about staying safe and warm as a winter storm approaches our area.
Chattanooga Gas reminds customers that heavy snow or ice accumulation can weigh down tree limbs, causing them to fall and potentially damage natural gas meters or expose gas lines.
They say if you see a damaged meter or exposed gas line, leave the area immediately and call 911 or Chattanooga Gas’ 24-hour emergency response line at 1-866-643-4170.
They also share the following:
▪ Ovens and Stoves: If you have a power outage, avoid using your gas stove or oven to heat
your home. Dangerous fumes can accumulate. If using a gas fireplace, ensure it is working
properly and that the flue or damper is open.
▪ Smoke and CO Detectors: Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries
annually and use the test function frequently. Most detectors need replacement after 10
years.
▪ Keep Meters Clear: Ensure that natural gas meters are free from snow, ice and debris.
Exercise extreme caution when removing snow or ice. Use your hands or a broom to gently
move snow away from the meter.
▪ Avoid Impact: To prevent damage, do not use shovels or snowblowers to remove snow or ice
from your gas meter. Never kick or hit your gas meter or its piping with a hammer or any hard
object to break away the built-up snow or ice. This can cause damage and create safety
hazards.
▪ Avoid Accumulation: Never shovel snow up against your meter or vent or let excessive snow
cover it. Remove hanging icicles to prevent dripping water from refreezing on your meter or
vent.
▪ Removing Trees: Weather conditions can uproot trees. Uprooted trees could become tangled
in underground utility lines. Before removing downed trees, customers are encouraged to
call Tennessee 8-1-1 to have the location of underground utilities marked. Always watch for
and avoid fallen or concealed power lines.
▪ Gas-fueled Generators: Keep gas-fueled generators outside in a vented space. Never run
generators in a garage, carport, basement, crawl space or other enclosed or partially enclosed
area even with ventilation.
▪ Detecting Gas Leaks: Residents should never try to identify the source of a leak themselves.
If the odor of gas is present, do not use a telephone or cellular phone and do not turn light
switches on or off, operate any appliance or do anything that might cause a spark, such as
lighting a match. Immediately leave the area and call 911 or Chattanooga Gas’ 24-hour
emergency response line at 1-866-643-4170 from a safe location.
