The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission urges consumers to clear their natural gas meters and appliance vents of snow and ice. In recent weeks, two home explosions occurred in South Dakota due to snow accumulation on gas meters. While no one was seriously injured in either event, both homes were destroyed.
When removing heavy accumulations of snow or ice on and around your gas meter, be careful not to cause any damage. Use a broom, a snow brush or your hands to lightly remove snow and ice that is capable of being removed. Do not kick the meter to break or clear ice or strike meters with snow blowers, blades or shovels. For extremely heavy ice buildup that cannot be removed as recommended, contact your natural gas provider.
While a strong gaseous odor is the most widely known sign of a gas leak, there are a few other warning signs you should look out for. Seeing a dense fog, mist or white cloud, and hearing hissing, whistling or roaring noises coming from the meter should be red flags of a potentially hazardous situation. If you witness any of these, your next step should be to leave the building and area, then call for help.