National Fuel would like to remind its customers that during the winter, especially after heavy snow or icy conditions, it is important to follow these steps to keep your home and natural gas meter safe:

· Keep the area around and above the meter free of snow and ice. Clear a path to the meter for easy access.

· Remember to use caution when shoveling, plowing or snowblowing around the meter and to use a broom to remove snow from the meter itself. To avoid accidental damage by a third party, inform anyone who works near your meter (such as a snow removal service) of its location.

· While stakes or flags cannot be attached to the meter itself, a marker can be placed on a house or nearby structure to indicate its location.

· Use caution when removing icicles from your meter and the gutters and roof above it.

· Call National Fuel at 1-800-365-3234 if the meter becomes encased in ice; please DO NOT try to melt or break the ice yourself.