Extreme Winter Weather Preparedness for Businesses
Be prepared for harsh winter conditions with these strategies.
From ensuring the safety of employees to maintaining operations and protecting valuable assets, proper winter weather preparedness is crucial to minimize disruptions and avoid costly damage.
Essential Natural Gas Safety Tips for Winter Weather Preparedness:
Maintain Smooth Operations During Extreme Weather Conditions
- Protect your natural gas meter and pipes: Carefully clear snow and ice from the meter and other facilities without damaging them. Use a brush, broom, or your hand to clear meters, not a shovel or other rigid tools. Also, clear snow from the area around your meter to provide a path for UGI personnel who may need access. If your meter is hit or damaged, call UGI at 800-276-2722.
- Properly Maintain and Inspect Natural Gas Equipment: Have all equipment and appliances inspected by a qualified technician at least once a year.
- Make Sure All Alternative Fuel Equipment is Ready to Use: If required to use alternate fuel, interruptible natural gas customers should make sure alternate fuel equipment is properly maintained, tested, and inspected in case it is needed. Review your natural gas supply and delivery agreements to ensure your facilities’ needs are properly covered via contractual commitments from UGI Utilities and your Natural Gas Supplier, if applicable. Our UGI Relationship Managers can assist you with this analysis.
- Keep Your Facility Properly Vented: Make sure exhaust vents are free of blockages and all pipes and flues are in good condition.
- Steam Line Safety Awareness: UGI customers who also operate steam lines should know where these lines are located and their proximity to natural gas lines. If you operate steam lines, please contact UGI at distributionintegrity@ugi.com so the locations of your lines can be assessed.
- Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Carbon Monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas that can be deadly. Carbon Monoxide detectors should be installed throughout the facility and tested regularly.
- Consider Installation of Natural Gas Detectors: Natural Gas Detectors offer an extra layer of safety, but they should never replace proper equipment installation and maintenance.
- Make Natural Gas Safety is Part of Your Facilities’ Emergency Preparedness Plan: All employees should know the safety plan including the signs of a natural gas emergency and how to evacuate.
- Smell Gas? Act Fast! If you smell the sulfur-like odor added to natural gas, evacuate, and get at least the length of a football field away before calling 911 or UGI at 800-276-2722.