Stay Safe and Warm with a Winter Weather Checklist

Category: Nevada
November 4, 2025

Southwest Gas helps customers prepare for colder weather

LAS VEGAS — With winter approaching, Southwest Gas releases a simple four-step checklist to help its more than 2.2 million customers across Arizona, California, and Nevada prepare their homes and businesses, stay safe, and manage costs during colder weather.
 
Step 1: Start Indoors with These Basics

Stay cozy and safe in colder weather. Start with these priorities inside your home or business.
  • Natural Gas Furnace – Keep your natural gas furnace running efficiently and safely. Have a licensed contractor inspect it once a year and complete any required maintenance. Get help finding appliance dealers or licensed contractors at swgas.com/contractor-referrals.
  • Natural Gas Fireplace – If you use natural gas logs, make sure the damper is open when in use. When you are not using it, close the damper to keep warm air inside. For more information on fireplaces, visit, www.swgas.com/fireplaces. Arizona residents may qualify for a state tax incentive when they upgrade to a natural gas fireplace. Learn more here.
  • Carbon monoxide detectors – Before cold weather arrives, have your carbon monoxide detectors/alarms installed. You should test them to make sure they work correctly. To learn more, visit swgas.com/safety or cpsc.gov.
 
For details and more safety tips for your home or business, visit swgas.com/safety.
 
Step 2: Remember to Check Outside, Especially if You Live in Snowy Climate
 
You should also check a few things outside your home or business. These simple steps help keep you and your community safe and ensures reliable natural gas service all winter long.
  • Keep natural gas meters accessible and unobstructed by snow, landscaping and storage items.
  • Protect natural gas meters and outdoor appliances from damage.
  • If you live in a snowy climate, protect natural gas meters from snow and ice.
    • Install a structurally engineered shelter above the natural gas meter to protect against snow and ice accumulation. 
    • Make sure snow does not block your appliance exhaust vents, so air can get out.
    • Use a broom, instead of a shovel, to brush away snow from natural gas infrastructure.
    • For details and more tips, visit swgas.com/snow-precautions.
  • Do not lean objects, trash bins, ladders or tools against the meter and be cautious when operating vehicles near the meter.

Step 3: Try These Things to Save Money and Energy
 
Natural gas bills are typically one of the most affordable utility bills, but usage tends to rise when temperatures drop. Since part of your monthly bill is based on how much energy you use, reducing usage can lead to noticeable savings. So don’t forget to explore simple ways to use less and save more.
 
Try these top suggestions for how you can use less energy and save money on your gas bill.
  • Adjust thermostat settings between 65 to 68 degrees, health permitting.
  • To help keep warm air inside and cold air out, seal leaks and cracks around doors, windows, and other openings with caulk or weather stripping. This can help you save up to 20 percent a year on your heating costs.
  • Regularly maintain heating units to ensure the system is operating in good condition.   
 
Find more tips for saving money and energy at swgas.com/en/energy-saving-tips.

Need assistance with your energy costs? Southwest Gas is here to help. Call us at 877-860-6020 or visit swgas.com/assist. If you are a residential customer, be sure to ask if you qualify for any of our assistance programs — available for both homeowners and renters.
 
Step 4: Know the Signs of a Possible Natural Gas Leak
 
Natural gas lines can be located anywhere in our communities. They can even be near homes or businesses that do not use natural gas. That is why everyone needs to know the signs of a natural gas leak – at any time of year.
 
Learn more at swgas.com/safety, or watch a video at youtu.be/a5aiM6oBbNs.

If you suspect a natural gas leak, leave the area immediately and, from a safe place, call 911 and Southwest Gas at 877-860-6020 .
  • Help children understand the signs of a possible natural gas leak using videos, games, and activities for kids on the Energy Safe Kids page at energysafekids.org/swgas.
 
 
About Southwest Gas
Southwest Gas Corporation serves over two million customers across Arizona, California, and Nevada with safe, reliable natural gas service. The company is committed to sustainability and innovation in fueling the growth of the communities it serves. Learn more at swgas.com.
 
 
Media Contact
Amy Washburn