Important Safety Reminders for Winter Heating Season

With the coldest temperatures of the winter season now upon us, Citizens Gas would like to remind consumers about the following safety tips and that energy assistance is available to customers in need.

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.

Smoke Detectors Save Lives

Citizens Gas urges everyone to ensure they have working smoke detectors on every level of their home and to check smoke detectors each month for dead batteries. Citizens Gas is making free smoke detectors available through Community Action of Greater Indianapolis for people applying for energy assistance. The following are other important home heating safety tips:

• Read and follow the manufacturers' operating instructions before using any space heater.
• Keep space heaters away from anything that burns, like furniture and drapery.
• Do not use space heaters overnight in bedrooms or any room where you may sleep.
• Space heaters that burn fuels can create carbon monoxide (CO), a toxic, odorless gas.
• If you suspect CO, get fresh air and call 911.
• Install carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home, especially near bedrooms.
• Do not attempt to heat your home with an electric or natural gas oven.

Energy Assistance is Available

There are a variety of energy assistance programs available to help customers in need. The biggest source of assistance is the state Energy Assistance Program administered by local Community Action Agencies throughout the state. Marion County residents in need of energy assistance should call Community Action of Greater Indianapolis at (866) 565-0197. People outside Marion County should call their local Community Action agency.

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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