Tips for increasing safety this winter

If you’re thinking you might not be prepared for this winter, it’s time to take some steps to prep your home and improve your safety now.

Improve your safety:

• Since you tend to use your gas appliances more in the 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.
• When cooking or baking, never block the vents in the bottom of your oven by lining them with foil or oven protectors as blocked vents can cause carbon monoxide accumulation.
• 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. 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.
• Chimneys and vents should be protected using an approved cap or screen to keep small animals or insects from entering. These pests have been known to build nests inside chimneys or vents and can cause potentially hazardous conditions.
• Inspect and clean dryer vents to ensure they are clear of debris, lint and condensation, which can become a fire hazard especially in the winter when drying heavier clothing and bedding.
• If you’re installing new gas appliances, change the connectors as well to prevent leaks and use safer, more modern materials.
• Do not store propane tanks or any other highly flammable gas/liquid in your home, as they can become extremely hazardous in the event of a fire.
• 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.

• Downed wires should always be considered “live.” Stay at least 30 feet away from downed lines, and don’t go near the pole or anything touching the line. Immediately contact PSE&G, at 1-800-436-PSEG (7734) via mobile app or our website, to report downed wires and dial 911 if an immediate hazard exists.
• Electric current passes easily through water, so stay away from downed power lines and electrical wires. Don’t drive over – and don’t stand near – downed power lines.
• Downed wires can potentially be hidden in standing water and snow. If you encounter large pools of standing water, stop, back up and choose another path.
• If you are on life-sustaining medical equipment, ensure that you alert PSE&G in advance and notify your local police and fire departments. For more information, visit www.pseg.com/life. 
• For storm safety tips, see https://nj.pseg.com/safetyandreliability/stormsafety.