(File Photo of Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania logo)

(Canonsburg, PA) According to Columbia Gas, safety hazards may arise from lower temperatures, which leads to using more energy and higher bills. Columbia Gas also suggests some tips to help lower costs, and to stay both warm and safe.

Here are the tips that Columbia Gas offers:

• Keep ice and snow away from intake and exhaust vents. 

• Place space heaters away from flammable items and put them on flat-level surfaces. 

• Check to see if all heating equipment and appliances work properly. 

• Stoves or ovens should never be a heat source in your home. 

• Do not run a generator or burn charcoal in an enclosed space or inside. 

• Before using a fireplace, clean the chimney. 

• Always keep your natural gas meter visible in an emergency. 

• Do not use a hammer or shovel to get rid of buildups of ice or snow on your natural gas meter. 

• Do not let snow completely cover your natural gas meter. 

• If you think there is a gas leak or smell a “rotten egg” smell, call 911 and the Columbia Gas emergency line at 1-888-460-4332.  

• Call 911 immediately if you are concerned with a buildup of carbon monoxide. 

• Run the furnace less often by setting it two to four degrees below the temperature that you use. 

• Wear heavier clothing to keep warm. 

• Let the sun in to reduce using heat in the home. 

• Use caulk to seal up leaks in windows or doors. 

• Do not block radiators or registers with furniture, curtains, or draperies. 

• Use a shower timer instead of a water heater. 

• Add a showerhead restrictor to not waste water.