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.
