Winter is here and, as storms move in, South Jersey Gas and
Elizabethtown Gas, subsidiaries of SJI, provide tips aimed to keep customers safe through the winter
season.
“We think it’s important to be proactive by offering our customers tips on how to plan for winter
storms,” said Craig Stewart, vice president, safety and shared services, SJI Utilities. “As a trusted
community partner, our customers need to be aware of how they can protect themselves and their
families this winter season.”
South Jersey Gas and Elizabethtown Gas offer the following tips to help customers prepare for the
possibility of winter storms.
Prepare your home:
Insulate your home to prevent heat loss and drafty areas.
Keep extra blankets, flashlights, water, and a supply of non-perishable food readily available.
Have a generator on standby, but keep it outdoors.
Clear the area around your gas meter:
Check your gas meter, especially after storms, to ensure it’s free from debris, ice, snow, or other
blockages.
Gently remove snow buildup around and on top of the meter using a broom or your
hands—avoid using a shovel, as it could damage the meter.
Prevent ice from accumulating on the meter by ensuring that gutters or other sources of dripping
water are not directed at it.
Ensure that paths to the meter are free of obstacles, such as snow piles.
Clear snow safely:
When shoveling snow, take breaks to avoid overexertion.
Push snow instead of lifting it, and avoid twisting your back while shoveling.
Use a snow blower with caution, and keep hands and feet clear of moving parts.
Prepare for power outages:
Charge your electronic devices and have extra batteries on hand.
Keep a supply of bottled water in case pipes freeze or the water supply is interrupted.
Be safe and smart with natural gas:
While natural gas lines are underground and generally well-protected, they can still be damaged
during severe weather events. However, if your gas lines or service is disrupted, follow these
safety tips:
o Never attempt to turn your gas off or on by yourself.
o Knowing the location of your natural gas meter during an emergency will be helpful if a
South Jersey Gas or Elizabethtown Gas technician needs to quickly access it.
o If you smell natural gas — which has been treated to smell like rotten eggs —
immediately leave the area without using any electrical switches, appliances, phones, or
creating any source of ignition. Once at a safe location away from the building, call 911
and then contact South Jersey Gas at 1-800-582-7060 or Elizabethtown Gas at 1-800-
492-4009. Do not re-enter the premises until authorized by emergency responders or
utility personnel.
For more safety tips please visit South Jersey Gas – Committed to Safety or Elizabethtown Gas –
Committed to Safety.