As Winter Storm Fern is on its way to the region, Atmos Energy is sharing some safety and energy conservation tips.
Atmos Energy is a natural gas distribution corporation based in Dallas, Texas with multiple locations in Western Kentucky including Hopkinsville.
The National Weather Service in Paducah issued a winter storm watch for a bulk of Western Kentucky, including Christian, Todd and Trigg counties from late Friday night through Sunday morning. Within that time frame, NWSP forecasters are expecting the region to receive anywhere between four to 13 inches of snow as well as some possible ice.
With the onslaught of well below freezing temperatures, Atmos Energy is asking folks to inspect their gas piping and appliances, clear the areas surrounding vents for natural gas appliances, leave faucets running at a trickle, never use an oven or gas stove as a source of heat and protect natural gas meters from accumulating snow or ice.
Then to conserve energy, the utility provider says folks can limit shower and bath times; operate clothes washers, driers and dishwashers only when fully loaded; close fireplace dampers and lower thermostats during the day while the sun is out.