UGI Utilities Offers Critical Safety Guidance for Extreme Winter Weather

As winter's harsh conditions approach, UGI Utilities has released critical guidance to help customers navigate potential challenges posed by anticipated snow and freezing temperatures. The utility company's recommendations focus on ensuring personal safety, protecting residential infrastructure, and managing energy consumption during extreme weather events.

Residential safety emerges as a primary concern, with UGI offering multiple strategies for homeowners to mitigate risks. Indoor preparedness includes dressing in layers, maintaining warm living spaces, and ensuring emergency supplies are readily available. Crucial safety measures involve preventing pipe freezing by allowing faucets to drip and opening cabinet doors to expose pipes to warmer indoor temperatures.

Energy conservation represents another significant aspect of UGI's recommendations. Customers are advised to implement practical strategies that can reduce both potential hazards and utility expenses. These include setting thermostats slightly lower, avoiding peak electricity usage hours, and minimizing non-essential electrical consumption.

Heating equipment safety receives particular emphasis. UGI strongly cautions against using gas-powered ranges or ovens for home heating, which can create dangerous carbon monoxide risks. The utility recommends installing carbon monoxide detectors on each home floor and consistently maintaining their batteries.

Portable heater usage requires careful attention. Customers should follow manufacturer instructions precisely, plugging devices directly into wall outlets and maintaining significant distance from flammable materials. Additional home preparation techniques include sealing drafty areas around windows and doors and leveraging natural sunlight for passive warming.

UGI has also prepared its operational teams to respond quickly to potential service interruptions. The company encourages customers to report outages or service issues promptly and emphasizes critical safety protocols, such as maintaining a safe distance from downed electrical wires and evacuating immediately if natural gas odors are detected.

These comprehensive guidelines underscore UGI Utilities' commitment to customer safety during challenging winter conditions, providing residents with actionable strategies to protect themselves, their homes, and manage energy resources effectively.