Blog

Winter Safety

18 Nov 2025

CHECK YOUR HOME HEATING EQUIPMENT

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless, toxic gas produced by incomplete burning of fuels. CO can be caused by malfunctioning heating appliances as well as damaged or blocked vents and chimneys. UGI urges you to take several simple steps to prevent a build-up of CO inside your home this winter heating season.

  • Ensure smoke and CO detectors are in working order and appropriately located within your home.
  • Have a professional check your furnace, water heater, and other internal combustion appliances to ensure they are operating safely.
  • Change or clean furnace filters regularly.
  • Check your chimney or flue for damage or corrosion.
  • Check that combustion air vents are unobstructed.

CO poisoning is serious and can be fatal. Symptoms of CO poisoning include flu-like symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. Individuals who think they might be experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning should immediately seek fresh air and prompt medical attention.

For more information on CO, visit https://www.ugi.com/natural-gas-safety/carbon-monoxide.

 

WINTER STORM OUTAGES

When a power outage impacts customers in the UGI service territory, our crews focus on restoring power as quickly and safely as possible.

During outages, please keep these safety tips in mind:

  • Never touch a downed power line. Contact with a power line or object it is touching can result in serious injury or death.
  • Turn off all lights and faucets and unplug appliances.
  • Never use a gas-powered range or oven to heat a home.
  • Use flashlights instead of candles to prevent the risk of fire.
  • To report power outages or downed power lines, call UGI at 800-276-2722. For more safety information, visit https://www.ugi.com/electric-safety/.

 

USE SPACE HEATERS AND GENERATORS WISELY

When dealing with winter storms, it’s important to remember that safety should always be paramount when using portable generators and space heaters. These tools can be lifesavers, but they can also be a source of danger if not used correctly. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels and exercise caution when operating these devices.

Space Heaters

  • Before each use, inspect the heater for any signs of damage, such as cracked or broken plugs, loose connections, or frayed wires. If you notice any issues, do not use the heater.
  • Place heaters on flat, level surfaces and keep them at least three feet away from flammable materials, such as papers, clothing, and rugs.
  • Make sure to plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet to reduce the risk of overheating and fire. Avoid using extension cords or power strips and refrain from plugging any other electronics into the same outlet to prevent overloading the circuit.
  • Never leave a space heater unattended and turn it off when you’re leaving a room or going to sleep.

Portable Generators

  • Always prioritize carbon monoxide (CO) safety when using portable generators to prevent any potential risks to your health and well-being. Make sure to purchase carbon monoxide detectors and place the generator outdoors in a well-ventilated area to avoid the buildup of harmful gases.
  • Use of a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) and an appropriate transfer switch to connect household wiring with portable generators to prevent electrical accidents and protect both your property and yourself.