Summer is synonymous with busy schedules and more time spent outdoors. It also brings new safety considerations for how energy is used at home, at work, and in communities. At UGI Energy Services, safety is at the center of everything we do, and June—National Safety Month—is a moment to revisit a few simple habits that matter all year long.

This safety hub article brings together several useful resources for easy reference. From outdoor projects to appliance maintenance and storm preparation, these articles can help you stay safe around natural gas and electricity all summer.

1. Outdoor projects and yardwork safety

Warmer weather means landscaping, deck projects, and outdoor entertaining. Those activities often bring people closer to natural gas and electric lines, meters, and other equipment, so it is important to plan ahead before digging or climbing.

A few key reminders:

• Call 811 before digging so underground utility lines can be marked.
• Keep ladders, tools, and long-handled equipment away from overhead lines.
• Give gas and electric meters plenty of clearance; do not cover or block them with shrubs, fencing, or storage.

For a seasonal checklist that walks through how to prepare yards and outdoor areas safely, see, Gardening Safety - Preparing your Outdoors for Spring. Many of the tips in that article—like checking for hazards around walkways, maintaining clear access to meters, and being aware of buried lines—apply directly to summer home projects and outdoor gatherings. See also, Call Before You Dig: Why 811 Is the Most Important Number on Any Job Site, for information on how calling 811 works and what the different color markings mean.

2. Summer electrical safety at home and work

Fans, window air conditioners, power tools, and outdoor lighting all increase electrical use in the summer. Overloaded outlets or damaged cords can quickly turn a project or gathering into a safety issue.

A few best practices to keep in mind:

• Avoid overloading outlets or power strips with multiple large appliances.
• Use only outdoor-rated extension cords and devices outside.
• Keep cords out of walkways to reduce trip hazards and damage.
• Replace any worn, cracked, or heat-damaged cords right away.

For practical advice that applies at home and in small businesses, read, National Electrical Safety Month: Essential Tips as Warmer Weather Arrives and Summer Approaches. That article offers additional guidance on using extension cords correctly, storm and power outage preparedness, and efficient use of electricity.

3. Natural gas appliance safety in warm weather

Even when heating systems are off, many natural gas appliances remain in regular use throughout the summer. Water heaters, ranges, clothes dryers, outdoor grills, and decorative features all need proper maintenance and ventilation to operate safely and efficiently.

Consider adding these tasks to a summer checklist:

• Schedule regular professional inspections for natural gas appliances.
• Make sure vents and combustion air openings are not blocked by outdoor furniture, plants, or storage.
• Learn the signs of a gas leak—such as a rotten-egg odor, hissing sounds, or dead vegetation near a line—and what to do if a leak is suspected.

For a simple maintenance overview, read Natural Gas Appliances: Maintenance Tips for Safety and Efficiency.

If a gas leak is ever suspected, leave the area immediately, and once at a safe distance, call 911 or your local natural gas utility.

4. Storms, extreme weather, and emergency preparedness

Summer thunderstorms, high winds, and sudden temperature swings can lead to power outages and hazardous conditions. The best time to prepare is before severe weather appears in the forecast.

A few simple steps can improve readiness:

• Build or update an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, water, medications, and basic tools.
• Review a household or workplace plan for outages and evacuation.
• Learn when and how to safely shut off utilities if authorities advise it.
• Use generators only outdoors and far away from doors and windows to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.

See, Community Safety First: Essential Tips for Emergency Preparedness, which includes practical checklists that can be shared and used as a conversation starter with family members, coworkers, or community groups. The article also has additional emergency resources, such as links to Ready.gov and FEMA.

5. Heat, fatigue, and safe work habits

Whether you’re a homeowner catching up on yardwork or at a jobsite working outdoors, heat and fatigue can affect judgment and reaction time. Taking care of personal well-being is part of prioritizing safety.

Remember:

• Drink water regularly and take breaks in the shade or a cool area.
• Plan heavier tasks for earlier or later in the day when temperatures are lower.
• Watch for signs of heat-related illness in yourself and others, such as dizziness, headache, or confusion.

UGI regularly shares seasonal safety reminders on its blog and social channels, including tips related to outdoor activities, home energy use, and safe preparation for the seasons.

Safety is a year-round commitment

June may be a time when safety is in the spotlight, but staying safe around natural gas and electricity is a year-round commitment. By taking a few minutes this month to revisit outdoor projects, electrical safety, appliance maintenance, storm readiness, and heat awareness, you can better help protect yourself, family, and colleagues.

Explore the articles linked above, share them with coworkers and friends, and check back often as new safety resources are added to the UGI Energy Services blog.