Heavy Snow Cleared From Roofs Causes Gas Leaks

A number of weather-related gas leaks in the city have been keeping Beverly Firefighters busy.

Firefighters responded to significant gas leaks on Monday.

The first incident caused the evacuation of a warehouse on Tozer Road when a pipe fitting broke as a result of several feet of snow weighing down on it. The second gas leak was caused by an accumulation of gas in a home on Parramatta Road after a leak in the street.

Beverly Deputy Fire Chief William Walsh said a lot of the gas leaks are related to people removing snow from roofs, and the heavy snow impacts meters. He said residents should make sure that the gas meters and vents located outside their homes are clear of snow and ice. Heavy snow from roofs have broken gas meters, and snow blocking vents has caused problems with furnaces. Snow should be cleared away from furnace and dryer exhaust vents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

“People should also recognize that in an emergency,” Deputy Chief Walsh said. “They would have to get to the meter to shut the gas off.”

The extreme cold can also cause gas leaks in the street that can migrate to houses.

Firefighters responded to reports of a strong gas odor on Sunday night at Colonial Gardens.

UPDATED: Gas Leak Causes Evacuation at Colonial Gardens Unit

Also on Sunday night, a Meeting Place Circle homeowner came home and could smell gas in his home. The homeowner opened a window and left the garage door open. He called 911. Beverly Firefighters arrived and found a gas leak at the meter with the help of a National Grid employee. Gas was shut off. National Grid repaired the gas leak.

Fire officials urge property owners to have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of the home.