Major Community Partnership Launched for Home Heating Safety
INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Fire Department (IFD), Citizens Gas and the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance (IMA) announced today formation of a unique community partnership to raise public awareness of home heating safety and energy assistance, and to distribute 22,000 free smoke detectors to low-income Indianapolis residents.
“This year as we approach another winter heating season we are thrilled that Citizens Gas and the IMA have reached out to IFD to form what we are informally calling the Indianapolis Home Heating Safety Partnership. This unique initiative will not only raise awareness of home heating safety, but also take active steps to ensure Indianapolis residents have a safe, warm winter,” said Indianapolis Fire Chief James Greeson at a press conference at IFD Station 14.
“As winter approaches, our primary message is to remind everyone that when they turn back their clocks this weekend, they should also ensure they have working smoke detectors on all levels of their home. Countless lives can be saved through the simple act of having working smoke detectors in the home,” said Greeson. In addition to the importance of smoke detectors, the home heating safety partnership is stressing the following key messages:
- Everyone should have a home evacuation plan that they practice with their families. Getting out of a burning home alive starts with having an evacuation plan that all family members are familiar with.
- Space heaters and other alternative heating sources can be dangerous - Everyone should be extremely careful when using alternative heating sources, including electric and fuel-burning space heaters, wood stoves and fire places. Fuel-burning space heaters can also create deadly carbon monoxide.
- Energy Assistance is available - A variety of energy assistance programs, including grants and payment arrangements, are available to help consumers catch up on past due utility bills and remain connected. Hoosiers needing energy assistance should call 1-800-872-0371. Marion County and Westfield residents can also call Citizens Gas at 924-3311 for information on energy assistance and special payment programs.
Citizens Gas President and CEO Carey Lykins explained that the partnership with IMA and the IFD arose after a series of tragic fires across Indiana last March. “The fires that occurred late last winter, including one here in Indianapolis that tragically claimed the lives of two young sisters, had one thing in common – none of the homes had working smoke detectors. Also, a number of the homes were using space heaters as a primary or supplemental heating source. After these fires, we joined with the IMA and IFD to look for ways to raise awareness of both home heating safety and energy assistance sources,” Lykins said.
The home heating safety partnership will result in the following efforts this winter:
- Donation of 22,000 smoke detectors by Citizens Gas to various agencies and churches for distribution to low-income residents -- The smoke detectors will be distributed by IFD, local churches and Community Action of Greater Indianapolis. Starting next week, CAGI will offer free smoke detectors to people applying for energy assistance.
- A 30-second public service announcement to be broadcast on local TV stations – The PSA will run on local TV stations during early November and early February to provide home heating safety tips and local contacts for energy assistance.
- Distribution of home heating safety and energy assistance information – Citizens Gas will make safety and energy assistance information available to churches throughout Marion County.
- Just for Kids Website – Citizens Gas is reaching out to Indianapolis public and private elementary schools through a special Just For Kids web page on the Citizens Gas website, citizensgas.com.
Rev. Fitzhugh Lyons, President of the IMA, said the home heating safety partnership is an example for other communities to follow. “Citizens Gas has shown great leadership in joining with area churches and the Fire Department to take special efforts to ensure everyone has a safe, warm winter this year. This is the kind of collaborative approach we need to solve many of the problems facing our great community,” Rev. Lyons commented.
About Indianapolis Fire Department
We will provide an appropriate, safe, and professional response to fire, medical and environmental emergencies. We are dedicated to minimizing the loss of life and property through suppression, rescue education, code enforcement, investigation and other innovative programs. More information is available at www.indygov.org/ifd
About Citizens Gas
Citizens Gas & Coke Utility is a Public Charitable Trust providing efficient and reliable energy services to more than 266,000 customers in Marion and Hamilton Counties. The Public Charitable Trust means the utility is managed like a not-for-profit organization, only for the benefit of customers and the community. Additional information is available online at www.citizensgas.com
About IMA
The Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance is a group of more than 400 ministers representing over 50,000 Christian church members throughout Marion County.
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