AN IMPORTANT SAFETY MESSAGE FROM BLACK HILLS ENERGY

With the inclement weather, Black Hills Energy wants to remind you about some important safety information. Snow and ice buildup on your natural gas meter can create a safety hazard and even cut off the flow of natural gas to your heating and appliances. To avoid trouble, gently remove snow and ice from on and around the meter with your hands or a broom.

Gas meters and regulators are durable and designed with the weather in mind, but a coating of ice or snow could cause a loss of service and become a critical safety issue. If at all possible, remove the snow before it has a chance to freeze.

Gently clear snow away by hand or with a broom. You’ll put yourself and everyone nearby at serious risk if you strike and damage any part of the meter with a shovel, ice pick or other tool. And you could be liable for expensive damage.
· Keep snow blowers and shovels away from gas meters and other above-ground equipment.
· Carefully clear snow away from the outdoor vent on high-efficiency furnaces. The furnace won’t run safely and efficiently if the vent is blocked.
· Safely remove icicles hanging from overhead eaves that could fall and damage gas meters below.
· Point out the meter and any other above-ground utility structures to anyone you hire for snow removal. 

Black Hills Energy-Customer Service 888-890-5554.