Important Safety Reminders for Winter Heating Season

INDIANAPOLIS -- With colder weather and the fall time change upon us, Citizens Gas today reminded residents of the importance of having at least one working smoke detector on each level of their home.

“We urge everyone to check their smoke alarm batteries when they turn their clocks back this weekend. We also want to remind everyone to be very careful using space heaters, and if they need energy assistance call 1-800-872-0371. We want everyone to have a safe, warm winter season,” said Carey Lykins, President & CEO of Citizens Gas.

Lykins joined today with Indianapolis Director of Public Safety Earl Morgan and Indianapolis Fire Chief James Greeson at IFD Station 15 to highlight the importance of home heating safety. The safety reminders were issued just prior to a door-to-door smoke alarm giveaway in the southeast side neighborhood near Station 15. Participating in the smoke alarm giveaway were employees from Citizens Gas, Energizer Batteries and IFD.

This fall Citizens Gas will be distributing about 3,500 dual sensor smoke alarms throughout the community with the help of IFD and the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance. Dual sensor smoke alarms detect both fast-moving and smoldering fires.

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, oil, 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:

• Read and follow the manufacturers' operating instructions before using any space heater.
• Keep space heaters away from combustible materials/products.
• Keep children and pets away from space heaters.
• Do not plug electric space heaters into an extension cord.
• Do not use space heaters in bedrooms or in any room in which you sleep.

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.

Call Before You Dig:

Damage to pipelines occurs most often when third parties unknowingly dig, ditch, blast or drill in the area of a pipeline.  The likelihood of damage can be greatly reduced if you call Indiana Underground Plant Protection Service (IUPPS) at 811 or 1-800 382-5544 two working days before performing excavation or construction activities.

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.

###

back to 2007 News Releases