Cold weather tips

Please call us immediately if you think you may have a natural gas emergency.

  • Gas Emergencies - Get out of the building immediately.
    866-556-6005

Make sure you're ready to heat your home safely this winter. Have your furnace inspected by a qualified technician and follow these safety steps throughout the heating season.

Heating safety tips

  • Keep the area around the furnace and water heater free of clutter.
  • Don't store flammable liquids near the furnace or gas water heater.
  • Never use a stove or oven to heat your home.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher in your kitchen.
  • Follow a space heater's instructions carefully and use with proper ventilation.
  • Only use a space heater when an adult is at home.
  • Never use a charcoal grill indoors.
  • Never operate internal combustion engines indoors.
  • Keep combustibles away from all heat sources.
  • Clean or replace your furnace filter as needed.
  • Check your chimney flues for corrosion and make sure all vents are clear of blockages or debris.
  • Ensure your burner flame is blue. A yellow flame may indicate the need for an adjustment.

Carbon monoxide (CO) prevention

  • Be alert for the symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
  • If you suspect CO poisoning, get everyone out of the house and call 911 or emergency medical help immediately.
  • Illinois law requires every home and apartment to have a CO alarm within 15 feet of sleeping areas.
  • Check the batteries in your CO alarms and smoke detectors to make sure they are working properly.
  • Replace CO alarms older than five years.
  • Have all fuel-burning appliance, flues, vents and chimneys checked regularly for blockage.

Keep vents, meters and walkways clear

  • If you have a high-efficiency furnace, power-vented water heater or other natural gas appliance that vents out the side of your home, remember to keep the vent pipe clear of ice and snow.
  • Keep your natural gas meters and walkways clear of ice and snow for safety and accessibility.
  • Never shovel snow up against your meter or let excessive snow cover it.
  • Gently remove snow and ice from your meter by hand or with a broom. Shovels and other tools can damage the equipment.
  • Remove hanging icicles to prevent dripping water from refreezing on your meter.
  • If your meter is covered with solid ice, don't attempt to remove it yourself; call North Shore Gas at 866-556-6004 for assistance.