Nevada Briefly Feb. 12

Families sought for exchange students

Carson City resident, Leah Madison is interviewing area families interested in participating in a cultural exchange experience by hosting an international high school student for the coming academic year.

Madison serves as Community Coordinator for PAX (Program of Academic Exchange), a non-profit foundation which provides a U.S. high school and home-stay program for students from more than 40 different countries including those in Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia and Latin America.

PAX students are between the ages of 15 and 18, speak English, have full insurance coverage and their own spending money. Students from different countries look forward to living like American teens for one school year, joining sports teams, studying for exams, and participating fully in family life, Madison said.

PAX families are asked to provide students with meals, a place to sleep and study, and a warm, supportive environment. Private rooms are not required and single parents, young couples and retirees are welcome to apply.

For information call Madison at 315-7958 or the PAX national office at 800-555-6211, or visit the Web site at www.PAX.org.

Southwest Gas' tips to protect meters

Southwest Gas reminds its customers that outdoor appliances - which include natural gas meters, barbecues and water heaters - can become damaged from accumulation of water, snow and ice.

Here are tips to help protect against potential damage:

• Install a shelter above your natural gas meter to prevent snow and ice accumulation. For more information and a convenient referral on how to purchase a shelter, visit South-west Gas at www.swgas.com or call 1-800-654-2765.

• Use a broom, instead of a shovel where possible, to clear snow or ice off natural gas meters and outdoor appliances, including regulators, associated piping and propane appliances.

• Keep all outside gutters free of leaves and debris, including those above or near the natural gas meter and outdoor appliances.

• Natural gas appliances require proper exhaust and ventilation. It's important to know the location of air supply and exhaust ducts, and keep them free of snow, ice, leaves or other debris.

• Anyone who notices natural gas appliances not functioning properly, a hissing noise coming from the ground or an above-ground pipeline and/or the smell of rotten eggs, should leave the area immediately and call 911 and Southwest Gas at 1-800-772-4555 from a safe location.