METERS FREE OF ICE AND SNOW
Florence Utilities is urging residents to keep safety first and make sure gas and electric meters are free from snow and ice. Taking the simple yet important safety step of keeping meters free of ice and snow can help ensure that safety remains a top priority for all. We offer these four important safety tips: 1) Remove snow and ice from around natural gas and electric meters. If snow and ice is allowed to build up, it can become compacted and freeze around the meter, causing damage that can interfere with its proper operation, and can also affect appliances served by that meter. 2) Snow should always be removed by hand, never with a shovel, metal / wood tools or power snow removal equipment. 3) Clear away snow from rooftop chimneys, fresh air intakes and furnace exhaust pipes. 4) Residents with high-efficiency furnaces should make sure the intake pipes (typically two white plastic pipes coming out from the side of the home) are free from drifting snow to prevent possible obstructions that could interfere with safe operation.
Safely removing snow and ice around meters, intake valves and chimneys can also help prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. If you are concerned that the meter’s vent may be blocked, please call Florence Utilities at
715-528-3330 for assistance.
CO POISONING
Carbon monoxide (CO) is called the “silent killer” because it is a colorless, odorless and tasteless toxic gas that can be produced when appliances are not operating or venting properly.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning often mimic the flu and include headaches, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath and stinging or burning of the eyes. If any of these symptoms are experienced, leave the area immediately and call 911 for help.
Installing an audible carbon monoxide alarm can literally be a lifesaver because it is the only way to be warned if this dangerous gas is ever produced. During the winter months when doors and windows are closed and furnaces are operating more carbon monoxide problems tend to occur. For more information regarding CO poisoning visit our website at www.florenceutilitieswi.com.
DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME
Remember to change the batteries and test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors when you change your clock to Daylight Saving Time on Sunday, March 9, 2025.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Florence Utilities is once again reminding their customers how very important it is to keep our customer contact records up-to-date. With many homes choosing to discontinue use of a landline phone and rely solely on cell phone use it is very important that we have that number if the need should arise to contact you due to a utility related emergency on your property. Please call our office at 715-528-3330 or send an email to: florenceutilities@florenceutilitieswi.gov to update our records. The information you provide is confidential and secure.
END OF MORATORIUM
Customers with outstanding balances are urged to call (715) 528-3330 to discuss a payment plan prior to the ending of the moratorium on April 15th. Office hours are Monday through Thursday 7:00 am to 4:30 pm, Friday 7:00 am to 11:00 am. The utility will gladly discuss various payment options available to customers, which includes accepting credit card payments.
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 800-506-5596 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.