Skip to Content
The redesigned DominionEnergy.com is here!:
A fresh look, easier navigation, and enhanced search features make it easier than ever to find the information you need.
Winter Weather: Gas Safety
Brush up on natural gas safety for winter weather
When winter weather is around the corner, we're prepared to continue providing safe, reliable natural gas service. Natural gas is distributed through an underground system that typically operates uninterrupted, even in severe weather.
Before you break out your mittens, scarves and boots to enjoy the winter wonderland, brush up on natural gas safety tips to keep in mind during snow or ice events.
If you have an exterior mounted tankless water heater, it's important to prepare the equipment for extreme cold by doing the following:
- Protect pipes connected to tankless water heaters by wrapping them in foam insulation.
- Consider running a trickle of hot water from a faucet until temperatures warm up.
- Make sure your water heater has built-in freeze protection, especially if it is installed outside.
- Always consult your manufacturer's guidelines for additional insulation and freeze prevention information.
Gas Safety Awareness
Before you enjoy the winter wonderland, learn about natural gas safety during snow or ice events.
Keep an eye out for snow and ice accumulation on natural gas equipment, such as meters, regulators and vents. Excess snow and ice should be carefully cleared from natural gas equipment, such as meters and appliance exhaust vents – with a brush or broom, or your hands – instead of a shovel.
Use caution with supplemental heaters and generators. Don’t supplement a heating system lost during an outage by using household items such as cooking stoves or ovens. Generators can help during emergencies but require care and planning for safe use. They should never be placed indoors.
Turn off your natural gas logs or extinguish fireplace flames before going to bed.
Have carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home and within ten feet of any sleeping areas. Just as you do with smoke detectors, check and replace batteries in CO detectors, too.
If you smell an odor of natural gas in or around the premises, evacuate and immediately call 911 and the emergency number below from a safe place.
SC: 800-815-0083
NC: 877-776-2427
Find more winter weather preparedness info at ready.gov
