As Indiana
experiences the latest blast of frigid temperatures, the Northern Indiana
Public Service Company reminds customers of important safety tips during
snowy and icy conditions.
NIPSCO crews across
the region will be working to ensure safe, reliable natural gas and electric
service, and the company is prepared to respond to emergencies and calls
throughout this event.
While NIPSCO’s gas
and electric system continue to operate normally, customers should call
(800) 4NIPSCO (464-7726) if they experience any service-related issues or
emergencies.
NIPSCO offered the
following safety tips:
* Keep fresh air
and exhaust vents for natural gas appliances clear. Remove snow, ice, and
debris to prevent equipment malfunction,
* Keep natural gas
meters clear of snow and ice. Keep them visible at all times to ensure
proper venting and easy access, if necessary, for NIPSCO and emergency
responders.
* Remove snow from
the meter with hands or a broom. Never use a shovel or kick or hit the meter
to break away snow or ice. If the meter is encased in ice, contact NIPSCO
for assistance.
* Drive safely
during icy conditions. If your car hits an electric utility pole and the
power line comes down, stay inside your vehicle, unless in immediate danger,
such as a fire, and contact 911. If you must exit the car, jump clear
without touching metal (the car) and the ground at the same time.
* Call NIPSCO
immediately if you detect natural gas. As always, if customers smell natural
gas (typically a “rotten egg” smell) at any time, they should leave the area
and call NIPSCO at (800) 464-7726.
* Use caution when
driving near NIPSCO employees. Motorists are urged to drive safely when
approaching any NIPSCO field employee or contractor vehicles who may be
working in the area.
With the extreme
cold, should a home utilize an alternate heating source, such as a fireplace
or space heater, NIPSCO reminds residents to be safe with these tips:
* Keep flammable
items, including paper, bedding, or furniture, at least three feet away from
heating equipment, fireplaces, and stoves.
* Place portable
space heaters on a hard, level, nonflammable surface. Do not put space
heaters on rugs or carpets, near bedding or drapes, and keep children and
pets away.
* Look for a model
that shuts off automatically if the space heater tips over. Do not use
heating equipment to dry wet clothing.
* Never use the
stove or oven to heat your home.
* Never leave
portable heaters, wood burning stoves, or fireplaces unattended. Turn them
off before leaving or going to bed.
* Keep the fire in
the fireplace by using a glass or metal screen large enough to catch sparks
and rolling logs.
For information
about electric and natural gas safety, visit NIPSCO.com/StaySafe.