TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) -- As cold weather becomes more common, it's the time of the year to get those heaters turned on.
If you live in a home heated with natural gas, there are steps you need to take in time to stay warm when it's getting cold.
"If your gas has been off for the summer, we go out and do a shut-in test," said Mike Horton of the Northeast Mississippi Natural Gas District. "We turn the meter on. We check to make sure there is no leakage in the house, and then we go in and light the pilot light on the gas appliances."
Natural gas companies would prefer to hear from customers in August or September.
"It would give us a lot more time to come out and check everything properly they've got before it gets cold because then everyone wants it when it gets cold," said Horton.
Gas company officials also say that when people wait to turn their gas on only when it gets cold, some folks might have to wait due to so many people waiting until then.
"We probably work a couple hours overtime tonight just trying to get caught up today. We won't get it all done, but we'll get everything we can," added Horton.
Horton also advises people to check the vents on natural gas appliances during the cold season.
