Have you put the shovel away? Postive you have finished "digging out"? Regardless if you own the home or are renting an apartment, a house or visiting your cabin. There is one area that often gets overlooked nearly always. AND it is a serious area. 

Officials in South Dakota are asking all residents after the most recent snowfall and blizzard conditions to CHECK your gas meters.

Two homes have exploded within the last month. BOTH explosions are directly related to the same issue, excessive snow covering gas vents and meter area.

This latest one being shown in the video below. No injuries have been reported. Scary. After the recent blizzard and snow fall, this could happen to anyone. Double-check your home and your neighbors.

We are used to keeping an eye on the water pipes. If we smell sewer, check the sewer vent that it is not frozen shut. If living here in the northern states like North Dakota, Minnesota, Montana or South Dakota, our vehicles are tucked away safely in garages or shops. If left outside, the block heaters are plugged in too. (And if you don't have a block heater, you have learned to park your vehicle in a way to hopefully aid in still starting.)

Forgotten Most, Heats The Home

This may surprise you, it surprised us until the multiple blizzards of 2022-2023. Both of us, being West River-born and raised, North Dakota ranch kids thought we knew it all. Well, that is when it came to 'Winter Survival', dressed as Jedi's always ready to take on what feels like 'Planet Hoth'. We learned, we did not know it all.

Having moved lots of snow in the blizzards over the years, heck just think about snow in 2022 alone. Not one time did it cross our minds to check this area. That being the Natural Gas Meter and Furnace Vent Area(s). Sure enough, after a friend reached out, knowing our cabin was having the hardest time ever keeping us warm. It was mentioned to us that MDU encourages customers to the monitor natural gas meter and a building's vent areas.

WHAT!?! Sure enough, there we found ours was under a five-foot-plus drift. After a few words said in frustration, the area cleared away the furnace began working properly again. Now did this fix 100% of the problem? No, but it definitely made a difference not just in how our furnace was operating but also the water heater's performance. A statement was issued in 2022 by MDU, stating that one needs to inspect and keep clear of snow and ice from the meter and furnace vent area. Also, it is vital that anyone operating snow removal equipment is aware of anything that might be buried under the snow. CLICK HERE to read the full statement from MDU. Stay safe out there, Crew, and check in with your utility providers on best-recommended practices for your area throughout the seasons.