Winter Safety Tips As Md. Digs Out From Historic Snowstorm

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Some important safety tips as Maryland begin to digs out from an historic snowstorm.

Keep outside meters and vents clear of ice and snow! Use a broom or brush to clear the area around the meter. Do not melt ice or snow on meters with a heat source, and do not chip or scrape ice. These methods can damage or break the meter.

Make sure exhaust vents aren't covered by snow or blocked by ice.

• Exhaust vents for appliances like water heaters, furnaces and fireplaces should also be cleared of snow and ice.
• Keep clothes dryer vents unblocked and clean too.
• Exhaust gases need a clear opening to vent to the outside and prevent the buildup of carbon monoxide.

Be cautious to avoid hitting buried equipment during snow removal.

• Be careful when using mechanized equipment--plows and snow blowers--and avoid areas where utility equipment like meters, piping and ground-mounted transformers may be covered by snow.
• Manually clear utility equipment with a broom or brush.