Colorado Springs Utilities provides tips on staying safe during spring snowstorm

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Colorado Springs Utilities is sharing how customers can stay safe during the spring snowstorm hitting much of Colorado.

Springs Utilities says they will have crews available and ready to respond 24/7 in case of emergencies and service interruptions. Additionally, the utility company says it coordinates with the City of Colorado Springs to access infrastructure and to ensure public and employee safety when strong weather moves into the area.

Below are tips from Springs Utilities:

• Make sure that your home’s carbon monoxide detectors are in working order before turning your furnace back on.
• Do not use ovens, stoves, or camping stoves for heat to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Since the December 2021 windstorm, Springs Utilities says they've seen a higher incidence of electric generator usage. Customers should follow manufacturer instructions to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning and electrocution hazards for themselves and our electric crews.
• Disconnect all hoses from outdoor water spigots.
• Turn off your irrigation system, drain it and temporarily insulate the system’s backflow manifold.
• Cover any tender plants like annuals and vegetables with a frost blanket or 2-3” of mulch like straw, hay, or wood chips.
• Clear snow and ice from your natural gas meter to keep it running efficiently. Gently brush the snow off with your hands, broom, or brush. Don’t kick it or hit it with a shovel, as this could damage the meter.
• Stay away from downed power lines.

For detailed information on how to report and monitor electric outages, protect irrigation systems, plants, and efficient energy use, click here.

Report downed power lines at (719) 448-4800. 

Report and track electric outages using our online outage map.

After the storm, customers who are served by overhead electric lines must check their home’s mast for damage. Should an outage occur, Springs Utilities says the mast must be in working order before they can safely restore power to your home.