Image of a stormy sky with dark clouds, and a safety sign indicating there is Stormy Weather Ahead

Winter Safety Tips

To help keep your home and family safe during snowy or icy weather follow these safety tips:

  • Snow and ice buildup can damage gas meters and pipes and make them difficult to reach in an emergency.
  • Carefully remove snow and ice from meters and pipes by gently using a broom or brush.
  • Do not use ice-melting chemicals, salt, shovels, or sharp-edged tools. Never kick or chip snow and ice away with a hard object.
  • Make sure that external vents for dryers and other natural gas equipment are clear. Blocked vents for dryers and other gas appliances can lead to a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide gas. If you have questions about proper venting, contact a licensed plumber or qualified contractor.
  • Make sure the meter is visible to snowplow drivers if it is near a street or sidewalk.
  • Make sure snow and ice from your roof does not land on or bury your gas meter.  
  • Repair leaky gutters and make sure water does not drip onto the meter and freeze.
  • Never use an oven or a gas stovetop to heat your home.
  • Minimize the risk of frozen pipes. Leave faucets running at a trickle, leave cabinet doors open, and close all doors and windows to keep heat inside.
  • Make sure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are in working condition. Learn more here.
  • If you think you smell gas, act fast! Leave the area immediately and from a safe distance call 911 and the Atmos Energy emergency number at 866.322.8667.
  • For more home safety information, click here.

Storm Safety Tips

  • If flooding occurs and gas appliances are underwater, do not try to operate the appliances. Instead, contact Atmos Energy or a qualified service professional to conduct a safety inspection.

  • During a natural disaster or severe weather event DO NOT turn off natural gas at the meter, even if evacuations are issued.

  • If you think you smell gas, immediately leave the affected area, and from a safe distance call 911 or Atmos Energy’s 24-hour emergency response line at 866.322.8667.

  • NEVER try to find the source of a gas leak.

  • DO NOT use a mobile phone or anything that might cause a spark, such as a generator.

  • If a natural gas meter is damaged or a gas line is exposed, immediately leave the area and call the Atmos Energy 24-hour emergency response line at 866.322.8667.

  • Know where your natural gas meter is located. Make sure it’s visible and free of trash and debris. Mechanical equipment used to clean up after a storm may damage the meter if it is hidden.

  • Natural gas distribution pipelines are mostly underground but can be damaged by uprooted trees and shifted foundations. After a storm, call 811 to have the location of underground utility lines marked, as gas service lines could become tangled.

  • Atmos Energy customers experiencing a natural gas outage or service interruption should contact the company's customer service number at 888.286.6700. Service will be restored as quickly as possible once the area is deemed safe.

  • When natural gas service is ready to be restored, click here to learn what to expect.  

Use all of your senses to detect a natural gas leak.  

  • SMELL the distinctive “rotten egg” or skunk-like odor that makes natural gas detectable.   
  • LOOK  for blowing dust, bubbling water, or dead vegetation near a gas line.
  • LISTEN for a hissing or whistling sound near a gas appliance or a roaring sound near a pipeline.

Smell gas? Act fast! If you suspect a leak, call 911 and Atmos Energy from a safe distance at our toll-free emergency number 866.322.8667Atmos Energy will send a trained technician immediately to investigate at no cost. Do not assume someone else will report the leak.

Atmos Energy is engaged in regulated utility operations. Atmos Energy Corporation. All Rights Reserved.