METERS FREE OF ICE AND SNOW
Florence Utilities is reminding its customers to help ensure the proper operation of natural gas and electric meters by keeping the meters free of snow and ice. The meters and equipment are designed to withstand winter weather conditions but the concern is that heavy or hard-packed snow and ice, icicles falling from building eaves, or water dripping from a roof and freezing on the natural gas meter venting, could possibly create a potential safety hazard. Snow and ice around gas and electric meters should be carefully removed by hand, not with shovels or power equipment such as snow blowers. Never kick or hit your gas meter or its piping with a hammer to break away built-up snow or ice. It is also advised to keep furnace air intakes clear to help prevent possible carbon monoxide (CO) problems. If you notice an accumulation of ice on your meter or are concerned that the meter's vent may be blocked, please call Florence Utilities at 715-528-3330 for assistance.
CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
Florence Utilities also reminds customers of the importance of having working CO detectors in their home. You can be in danger of Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning if unsafe amounts of CO exist in your home. The accumulation of CO can happen as a result of any or a combination of the following:
1) faulty or damaged heating appliances; 2) heating appliance not maintained or serviced; 3) rooms not properly ventilated; 4) blocked chimneys or flues; 5) indoor use of a barbecue grill or outdoor heater; 6) improper operation of heating appliances; 7) property alterations or home improvements which reduce ventilation; 8) running engines such as vehicles in your garage; 9) or using cooking appliances for heating purposes. Symptoms of CO poisoning can be similar to those caused by other illnesses such as a cold or flu. They include: unexplained headaches, chest pains or muscular weakness, stomach pain, sudden dizziness when standing up and general lethargy. If you suspect elevated levels of CO in your home and anyone in your home has any of these symptoms, get fresh air immediately and seek medical attention. Stop using the appliance and do not use it again until it has been serviced by a qualified professional. For more information regarding Carbon Monoxide safety see http://www/cosafety.org
PREVENT FROZEN PIPES AND METERS
When below freezing temperatures occur over several days, water pipes and meters that are close to cold air may freeze. Property owners are responsible for protecting both water pipes and the water meter from damage. Florence Utilities urges residents to take steps to prevent water pipes and meters from freezing in order to receive uninterrupted water service as well as avoiding unnecessary and expensive repairs. Preventing pipes and meters from freezing is much easier than trying to thaw them. We suggest providing warmth to the water pipes by doing the following:
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Eliminate cold drafts near water pipes.
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Tightly close doors and windows to the outside and eliminate drafts from crawl spaces.
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Fill cracks in walls and around windows.
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Turn off water to garden hose connections at an inside valve and drain the exposed piping before freezing temperatures set in.
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Open the door to the room where the pipes are located to allow warmth to circulate.
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Place a lighted bulb near water pipes. (Never use open flames.)
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Wrap pipes in insulation or heat tape.
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Open cabinet door below the sink to allow warm air to reach the pipes.
Also, make frequent use of your water supply:
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Flowing water often breaks up ice below freezing.
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When outside temperatures remain below freezing, it's less expensive to run your faucet regularly than for you to repair a frozen or burst pipe.
What to do if pipes freeze?
If no water comes from your faucets when you turn them on, most likely the pipes nearest a wall, door, window, or along the floor are frozen:
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Start by opening a faucet near the frozen pipe to release any vapor from the melting ice and so that you'll know when the water starts flowing again.
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Begin warming the pipes nearest the faucet and work toward the frozen section.
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Blow warm air on the pipe using a hair dryer. (Do not leave the dryer unattended or allow it to overheat.)
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Once water has begun to flow again, let a pencil-sized stream of water flow through the faucet until normal heating is restored to the area.
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Eliminate cold drafts and allow warm air to circulate around the pipes to prevent freezing again.
HEATING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
It is not too late to apply for heating assistance for the 2024-2025 heating season. Contact Energy Services for Florence County at 715-609-2274 to schedule an appointment to determine if you are eligible for financial assistance through Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP). For more information regarding the program see http://homeenergyplus.wi.gov.
PIPELINE PURPOSE AND RELIABILITY
Pipelines are the safest and most efficient means of transporting natural gas and petroleum products, according to National Transportation Safety Board statistics. The federal government sets minimum safety standards for all pipelines. The federal government also makes and enforces rules for interstate gas pipelines. However, in Wisconsin the Public Service Commission (PSC) makes and enforces rules for intrastate (within our state) pipelines. State and federal engineers work together to achieve the goal of public safety. The PSC’s safety program uses a team of engineers. These engineers spend months in training on gas pipeline safety. They advise gas pipeline operators about gas safety and inspect the gas system and company records. They monitor pipeline construction, operations and maintenance activities. If it is not exactly right, they make sure it’s corrected. Their job is to keep the public safe by enforcing the pipeline safety code. Additional roles of the pipeline safety engineer include: responding to customer complaints; conducting field inspections; complete a comprehensive inspection of every gas utility at least once every three years; review all gas utility’s maintenance records every year; review all gas utility construction standards for compliance with applicable safety standards; work with the US Department of Transportation on interstate pipeline projects in Wisconsin; make unscheduled inspections of utility construction projects; and advise gas operators about pipeline safety. The Florence Utility Commission prides itself on the safe operation of its natural gas delivery system. Additional information regarding natural gas pipeline safety in Wisconsin can be found at http://psc.wi.gov