Important Safety Reminders for Winter Heating Season

With cold weather now here, it is important consumers remember the following home heating safety tips.

What to do if you smell gas
Natural gas from local distribution companies has an odor similar to rotten eggs so that even the smallest leaks can be detected. If you smell gas, we recommend you do the following:

• Do not turn on any lights or use the telephone.
• Ensure everyone leaves the home/building immediately. Use a telephone away from the building to call Citizens Gas, 924-3311, any time of day or night. Please note: There is no charge for calling the gas company to check for a gas leak. Citizens Gas is available to immediately respond 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.

Home Heating Safety
Carbon monoxide (CO) and improper use of space heaters pose the biggest home heating dangers throughout America each year. CO is a toxic, colorless, odorless, tasteless gas produced when fuels do not have an adequate oxygen supply to burn completely. Fuels that can produce CO include kerosene, propane, coal, charcoal, natural gas and wood. Exposure to CO can cause illness or death. Symptoms include nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, vomiting and confusion.

Avoiding Carbon Monoxide:

• Never use fuel-burning space heaters or grills in an enclosed area -- ensure venting.
• Install carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home, especially near bedrooms.
• Have professional annual inspections and cleanings of heating systems, vents, flues and chimneys.
• If you suspect CO, get fresh air and call 911.

Space Heater Safety:

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, especially near bedrooms.
• Space heaters using flammable fuels can cause fires. Likewise, electric space heaters frequently cause fires by overloading electrical outlets.
• Read and follow the manufacturers' operating instructions before using any space heater.
• Keep space heaters away from combustible materials/products.
• Never use space heaters that use flammable fuels in a tightly sealed room. These heaters can create CO.
• Keep children and pets away from space heaters.
• Do not use space heaters overnight in bedrooms or any room where you may sleep.
• Do not attempt to heat your home with an electric or natural gas oven.

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 and around Marion County. The Public Charitable Trust means the utility is managed only for the benefit of customers and the community.

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