Full Notification

Currently our area is forecasted to receive extremely cold air for the next several days leading into next week. This arctic air can be dangerous. Combined with brisk winds, dangerously cold wind chill values can result. People exposed to extreme cold are susceptible to frostbite and can succumb to hypothermia in a matter of minutes. Areas most prone to frostbite are uncovered skin and the extremities, such as hands and feet. Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it.

These weather conditions also create challenges to our homes utilities and below is information on how to avoid these temperature related issues.

From PSE&G regarding odors of Natural Gas, Carbon Monoxide and Utility Venting

All customers can take steps to improve safety in their homes, including the following:

• If you smell a gas odor, immediately exit the building, move at least 350 feet away and call PSE&G at 1-800-880-PSEG (7734) OR Call 911.
• Since gas appliances tend to be used more in winter, it’s particularly important to monitor carbon monoxide levels in your home. Watch these Facts from the Field video tips on getting a carbon monoxide detector and the best way to use your detector. Also, to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, do not run any gasoline-powered generators in a garage or any other enclosed space.
• When it snows, keep any high-efficiency furnace pipes on the outside of your home clear of snow – otherwise, you may inadvertently allow carbon monoxide to build up in your home. Also clear chimneys and vents for other gas appliances.
• Accumulation of ice or snow can interfere with the proper operation of your gas metering system. The meter assembly may contain a regulator that is designed to safely release pressurized gas in the event of a malfunction. Blocking the regulator vent could create an unsafe condition where gas is not able to escape from internal piping.
• Snow and ice can damage gas meters and piping. Be careful when removing snow from around the gas meter; any damage to the gas meter could potentially create a possible leak hazard.
• Use a broom to keep the gas meter, pressure regulator, and vent piping clear of snow and ice during the winter season.
• Attached photo shows an example of a frozen vent pipe

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
• When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.
• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
• if you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.