Living with Natural Gas
Natural gas outage & emergency information.
Natural gas is an important energy source that has hundreds of uses. It's the cleanest burning fossil fuel, leaving no particles in the air and producing very little carbon dioxide.
Gas Meter Tips
- Know where your natural gas service enters your home.
- Keep it clear for emergency responses.
- During winter, keep your natural gas service free of snow and ice. Be careful when using a snow blower or plow nearby.
- Do not tie pets or any other objects to the meter or outside gas service.
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Cooking with Natural Gas
- The natural gas flame in the appliance should burn "true and blue." Yellow flames indicate that the appliance should be checked.
- Gas flames are fire; treat them with respect and be safe. Don't cook in loose clothing or spray flammable liquids nearby.
- Keep a dry chemical fire extinguisher in your kitchen.
Getting the best from all your cooking appliances:
- Natural gas barbecues have precise controls for just the right temperatures. Sprinkle marinades carefully to avoid clogging burners. Keep your grill looking new by cleaning it periodically and covering it for weather protection.
- Natural gas stoves have the same easy-to-control properties as grills. Use the flame size that fits the bottom of your cooking pot. Any larger flame wastes natural gas and could damage the utensil. Teach children to respect the stove and stay away to prevent accidents.
- Natural gas ovens are perfect for cooking or broiling, but are not meant to be used as heaters or clothes dryers. Using the oven improperly could damage it or make it unsafe. An improperly adjusted oven will not burn efficiently and could give off carbon monoxide.
Be safety smart — use your natural gas appliances only for the purposes for which they were designed.
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Hot Water Tank Safety
Your natural gas hot water tank provides hot water on demand as a result of its dependable heating system. Maintain it by:
- Keeping the area around the water heater free of debris, flammable liquids, old newspapers or other combustible materials.
- Don't use the water pipes to hang laundry or to store out-of-season clothes.
- Make sure the temperature setting is correct: 54 C (130 F) if your family doesn't have a dishwasher or 60 C (140 F) if you do.
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More Safety Tips
- All natural gas appliances (furnaces, hot water tanks, barbecues, ranges, clothes dryers) must be installed by a licensed gas fitter and inspected by Manitoba Hydro.
- Inspect and clean or replace air filters on a monthly basis.
- Never store flammable materials such as paint, solvents, cleaners, gasoline or oil in the same room as a natural gas appliance.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home that meet CSA standards.
- Always keep your natural gas appliances properly vented. Never cover gas appliances with boxes or fabrics.
- Check your chimney and other vents for nests and blockages before using a natural gas appliance.
- Have at least one fire extinguisher in your home and show everyone how to use it in case of a fire.
- Avoid contact with underground pipes – call before you dig.
